Amir vs PCB

Amir's retirement is the hot topic these days in Pakistan cricket. Some bashing Amir while the majority of cricket fans lambasting PCB for dealing unfairly with the 28 years old fast bowler. 

11 years back 17 years old Amir caught the eyes of cricket fans all over the world with his outstanding bowling. He was considered to be the next Wasim Akram of international cricket. As a fast bowler, he had everything up his sleeve to be the best in the business. He was lightning fast and made the greats of the game dance to his tunes including Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. He was making the new ball talk and many greats of the game were clueless against him. He played an important role in crowning the Pakistan T20 champion. 

The unfortunate incident of spot-fixing in 2010 left every cricket fan around the world in shock. Many felt Amir's carrier was over.

Thanks to PCB that he was allowed to represent Pakistan after completing a five years ban. But he wasn't the same Amir we knew. His pace was a bit slower and his swing wasn't the same but still, he was our best fast bowler. He lacked consistency but still bowled some outstanding spells especially against India. 

Now the question that arises here is that was it a wise decision to drop Amir and not considering him in PCB's plan. The answer is a big no.If playing Test cricket is the criteria to be considered in the Pakistan team, then why is Wahab playing despite his retirement in red-ball cricket? This shows the biased attitude of the PCB towards Amir.

Amir's decision to quit test cricket was not a wise one as test cricket is the real cricket and dropping him from all the formats by PCB was a blunder. The favoritism and bias of PCB's management are imminent here.  Waqar Younus has a history of having personal issues with players and his being part of PCB's management is something to ponder upon. Do we lack competent people heading the Pakistan cricket team or he has more clout? The latter makes sense.

The next question is, did Amir take the right decision? If not, then what should have he done? Amir's decision is an emotional one and he will regret it sooner or later. He had many alternatives? He had the option of playing different leagues going on in different parts of the world and prove the selectors wrong with his performance. He must know that life is not a bed of roses. You have to suffer to reach the pinnacle of glory. Every superstar has a story to tell. All have gone through tough times before their hard work and dedication bore fruits. If you expect everyone to treat you fairly in your journey to glory, then you haven't understood life. Success doesn't come on a plate. You have to fight for it. To be the winner you have to be a warrior. A warrior who knows the art of standing alone and make the impossible things possible.

His statement that he was being mentally torture doesn't make sense at all. Considering the trauma, he went through in his carrier this is nothing. Instead of fighting, Amir chose to leave and that's what his enemies wanted.

As a famous poet Arsh milsiani says.

وہ مرد نہیں جو ڈر جائے حالات کی خونی منظر سے

جس دور میں جینا مشکل ہو اس دورمیں جینا لازم ہے

Not a man who is afraid of the bloody scene of the situation. It is necessary to live in a situation where it is difficult to live.

If his decision is financially motivated, then he must understand that those who perform big in leagues are remembered every time that particular league is held and those who make the country's flag soar high are remembered for centuries.

If he stands by his decision, then cricket will surely miss Amir. Few of his spells, especially the one he bowled against India in the final of champions trophy. 

PCB should engage with him and convince him to come back as Pakistan needs him. Amir should think over his decision as he has a debt to pay. He must understand that he would not have seen a cricket ball had he been part of any other team for the harm he did to cricket. He should come back stronger than ever and take the sufferings as motivation. He has a lot of cricket left in him.