Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has hailed Mohammad Amir as the smartest fast bowler Pakistan has ever produced.
Speaking on an online show, Shoaib Akhtar praised Amir’s exceptional cricketing intelligence and recalled a memorable match against Australia in 2009, in which he himself was also playing. He highlighted how David Warner, who had been hitting Shoaib aggressively, struggled immensely when facing Amir’s bowling.
Akhtar explained that Warner was unable to decide whether to move forward or stay back, completely baffled by Amir’s swing and pace. “The standard Amir had back then, he still maintains today,” Shoaib added, citing Amir’s recent performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he again troubled Warner.
The “Rawalpindi Express” emphasized that among all the fast bowlers Pakistan has produced, Mohammad Amir stands out for his ability to use his brain effectively on the field. Shoaib elaborated that Amir understands field placements, adapts according to match situations, and knows exactly where to bowl and how to set the field accordingly.
Shoaib Akhtar further called Mohammad Amir an “asset” for Pakistan cricket, expressing disappointment over the way talented players like him have been treated. He stressed that players are not at fault; rather, poor management often fails to understand and support players’ needs. “If you cannot comprehend the needs and struggles of your players, you have no right to be part of the management,” Shoaib stated firmly.
