Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Aamir has been picked by Essex to play English County Cricket. The 25-year-old fast bowler was banned from International cricket for his involvement in spot-fixing along with two other teammates Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt.
Mohammad Amir was sentenced to 6 months in prison in 2011 for his wrongdoings. He was handed a 5-year ban by the International Cricket Council while his teammates Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt received 7 years and 10 years ban respectively.
Aamir made a comeback to international cricket in 2016 in Pakistan”s tour to New Zealand and was not accepted by the crowd as he received boos. However a year later his comeback, things have changed and fans seem to have forgotten everything.
The left-arm seamer has played 28 Tests picking 94 wickets and 36 ODIS picking 55 scalps. Experts wonder how many wickets did he miss out on in those 5 years looking at the talent he has got.
It all happened in England in the infamous Lord”s Test in 2010 and the stint with Essex brings him back to England giving him an opportunity to correct what transpired in 2010 by giving his best for the county side.
Head coach Chris Silverwood said: “We are thrilled that Mohammad has decided to join us for half of the 2017 campaign. He showed a real desire to be a part of the club. He is still only young but he has proved himself at international level already, so it is a real coup to get this signing completed.”
He has not played English County Cricket before and will be looking forward to making his first season count.
– by Atharva Apte
