Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed has launched a scathing critique of left-arm pace bowler Mohammad Amir, questioning his fitness and output during the Pakistan Super League season. Speaking on social media, the outspoken former international suggested that franchises would look elsewhere in future drafts.
Amir turned out for Rawalpindi during the eleventh edition of the Pakistan Super League, where his campaign yielded 12 wickets across 10 appearances. Despite reaching double figures in the wicket column, his efforts came at an average of 27.16 alongside an economy rate of 8.81 runs per over.
Tanvir remained unimpressed by those returns, pointing specifically to the veteran seamer's physical conditioning and overall contribution on the field. He argued that the returns failed to justify continued selection in the franchise-based competition.
“Looking at Mohammad Amir’s fitness and bowling in the PSL – what kind of ‘talent’ is this? What is the point of such talent when his performance is zero? This is Amir’s last PSL; no team will pick him next year,” Tanvir said.
Now 34 years of age, Amir has already stepped away from international cricket, meaning he remains out of consideration for national duties. He was consequently absent from Pakistan's recent limited-overs engagements, which included a T20I series against Sri Lanka and a triangular ODI series featuring Sri Lanka and England.
While domestic T20 discussions continue, the national team's attention has swiftly shifted towards the longer format of the game. Pakistan are scheduled to host Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series commencing later this month, running from November 9 to 21.
The matches of this upcoming red-ball series will be hosted across two iconic venues, with fixtures carded in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Before the opening Test gets underway, the touring Sri Lankan side will play a three-day warm-up fixture against the PCB Patron’s XI from November 4 to 6.
Selectors have already finalized a 14-member squad for the upcoming assignment against the visiting Sri Lankans, with Babar Azam named to captain the side. The management intends to bolster the pace department by adding two more fast bowlers to the squad following the conclusion of the three-day warm-up match.
The announced Pakistan Test squad features several established names alongside emerging talents aiming to cement their places in the red-ball setup. Alongside captain Babar, the squad includes Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, and Mohammad Abbas.
The team's wicketkeeping responsibilities will be shared or managed through the selection of Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig. Further batting and all-round depth is provided by Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, and Saud Shakeel.
Pakistan will be eager to put on a strong display in home conditions during the upcoming World Test Championship cycle matches against Sri Lanka. The team management hopes the warm-up fixture will provide adequate preparation for the players transitioning into the longer format.
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