Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir is one of the most controversial figures in Pakistan cricket history, not only because of his fast bowling skills but also due to his controversial involvement.

Mohammad Amir: Most Controversial Bowler from Pakistan

Mohammad Amir, a name that resonates with both brilliance and controversy in the world of cricket, has had a career marked by exceptional talent and challenging tribulations.

Born on April 13, 1992, in Gujjar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan, Amir emerged as a prodigious left-arm fast bowler, admired for his ability to swing the ball at high speeds.

His journey from a young cricketing sensation to facing a downfall due to spot-fixing, and an eventual comeback, makes his story both unique and instructive.

Early Career

Amir’s cricketing journey began at the Bajwa sports academy, where he was spotted at the age of 11.

His talent was recognized by none other than the legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram during a fast bowling camp in 2007.

Amir’s early promise was evident in his performances for Pakistan’s U-19 team, where he claimed 8 wickets at an average of 16.37 on a tour to England.

In a tri-nation tournament in Sri Lanka, he further cemented his reputation by taking 9 wickets at an average of 11.22.

Domestic Career

Amir’s domestic career took off with the Rawalpindi Rams and the National Bank of Pakistan. In his debut domestic season, he took an impressive 55 wickets for NBP.

His domestic prowess earned him a spot in the Pakistan team for the 2009 T20 World Cup in England, where his performances were crucial in Pakistan’s title run.

International Career

Amir made his international debut in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 against England. He quickly made a mark with his pace and accuracy, playing a key role in Pakistan’s victory in the tournament.

His Test debut came against Sri Lanka in July 2009, where he picked up six wickets. Amir’s ability to swing the ball, coupled with his pace, made him a formidable force in international cricket.

Career Across Formats

• Test Cricket: Amir’s Test career, although marred by the spot-fixing scandal, saw him become the youngest bowler to take 50 Test wickets. His best performance came against England, where he took 19 wickets in the 2010 series.
• ODI Cricket: In ODIs, Amir’s notable performance includes a record score of 73 runs batting at number 10 against New Zealand, which was the highest at that position at the time.
• T20 Cricket: In T20Is, Amir’s speed and swing continued to trouble batsmen globally. He was a part of the victorious 2009 ICC World Twenty20 team and played a pivotal role in many of Pakistan’s wins in the format.

IPL Career and Other Franchises

While Amir did not have an extensive career in the IPL, his talents were showcased in various other T20 leagues around the world.

He played for teams like Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League, where he took a hat-trick in 2016, and Essex in the English county circuit.

His performances in these leagues were a testament to his enduring skill and ability to adapt to different playing conditions.

Comeback Story

Amir’s career faced a significant setback in 2010 when he was implicated in a spot-fixing scandal during a Test series against England.

He received a five-year ban from cricket and served time in prison. In 2015, Amir made a return to domestic cricket and eventually made his international comeback in 2016.

His return was marked by mixed reactions but also by performances that reminded the cricketing world of his talent.

Cricket Records of Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir, a prominent figure in Pakistani cricket, has made significant contributions to the sport with his left-arm fast bowling.

His international career, spanning from 2009 to 2020, is marked by several notable records in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Here’s a detailed look at some of his significant records:

Top Records

Test Matches:

• Youngest player to take five wickets in an innings: Achieved this feat at the age of 17 years and 257 days, placing him third in this category.

One-Day Internationals (ODIs):

• Most runs in an innings by batting position: Scored 58 runs, the highest by a player batting at his position.
• Second-highest partnership for the tenth wicket: Amir was part of a 103-run partnership, the second-highest for the tenth wicket in ODIs.

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):

• Outstanding bowling analyses in an innings: Recorded figures of 2/3, placing him 31st in this category.
• Most wickets taken bowled: With 17 wickets bowled, he ranks 47th in this record.
• Fastest to 50 wickets: Amir reached this milestone in just 41 matches, ranking 42nd fastest.
• Most maidens in career: Bowled 5 maiden overs, placing him 22nd in this category.

Other Notable Records:

• Best figures in an innings when on the losing side in ODIs: Took 5 wickets in a match, ranking 14th in this record.
• Youngest player in ODIs and T20Is: Ranked 35th youngest in ODIs at 17 years and 108 days, and 27th in T20Is for most consecutive matches missed between appearances (57 matches).
• Most consecutive matches missed for a team between appearances: Missed 237 matches, placing him 29th in this combined record for Test, ODI, and T20I.

Mohammad Amir: Family Background and Personal Life

Mohammad Amir, a renowned Pakistani cricketer, has a family background and personal life as intriguing as his cricketing career.

Born on April 13, 1992, in Gujar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan, Amir’s journey from a small town to international cricket fame is a story of talent, determination, and resilience.

Early Life and Family

Amir was born in Changa Bangial, Gujar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan, into a Punjabi Muslim family. He is the son of Raja Muhammad Fayyaz and Naseem Akhtar.

He was the second-youngest among seven children, having five siblings including three brothers and two sisters. His brother’s name is Mohammad Ijaz.

Growing up, Amir was deeply influenced by Pakistan fast bowling legend Wasim Akram, who he idolized. This admiration led him to imitate Akram’s bowling style from a young age.

Marriage and Family Life

In September 2016, Mohammad Amir married Narjis Khatun, a British citizen of Pakistan origin. Their marriage brought together two cultures and has been a significant part of Amir’s personal life.

The couple is blessed with two daughters, Minsa and Zoya Amir. The family currently resides in London, England, blending their Pakistani heritage with British culture.

Early Recognition and Move to Lahore

Amir’s cricketing talent was first noticed at a local tournament when he was just 11 years old. He was subsequently invited to join the Bajwa Cricket Academy in Rawalpindi.

After being selected for the national team, Amir moved to Lahore with his family to be closer to top-level cricket facilities, marking a significant step in his journey towards becoming an international cricketer.

Education

Amir attended a local school in Gujjar Khan, Pakistan. His early success in cricket meant that he focused primarily on the sport, which limited his formal education.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Apart from cricket, Amir enjoys listening to music, which is one of his favorite pastimes.

Net Worth and Financial Profile of Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir, a prominent figure in the world of cricket, has not only made a name for himself through his sporting achievements but also accumulated significant wealth over the years.

Net Worth and Earnings

• Net Worth in 2023: According to various sources, Mohammad Amir’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million as of 2023. This substantial net worth is a testament to his successful career in cricket, both domestically and internationally.
• Net Worth Growth: His net worth has seen a steady increase over the years. In 2021, it was estimated at $16 million, and in 2020, around $12.8 million. This growth pattern indicates his continued earnings and financial stability.

Cricketing Career and Income Sources

• Professional Cricket: Amir’s primary source of income has been his career as a professional cricketer. He played for the Pakistan national cricket team from 2009 to 2020 and was known for his exceptional bowling skills.
• Domestic and T20 Leagues: Apart from international cricket, Amir has also participated in various domestic cricket leagues and T20 tournaments, which have contributed significantly to his earnings.
• Endorsements and Sponsorships: Like many sports personalities, Amir has also earned through endorsements and sponsorships, adding to his overall net worth.

6 Controversy Involving Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir, the Pakistani cricketer, has been embroiled in several controversies throughout his career. These incidents have not only made headlines but also impacted his professional journey.

Here’s a comprehensive look at these controversies, arranged from the most recent:

1. Verbal Spat with Naveen-ul-Haq in Lanka Premier League (2020)

During the Lanka Premier League in 2020, Amir was involved in a heated altercation with Afghanistan cricketer Naveen-ul-Haq.

The dispute escalated after a match between Kandy Tuskers and Gallee Gladiators. Shahid Afridi intervened, trying to calm the situation.

However, Naveen accused Amir of making derogatory remarks, which Amir denied, calling Naveen a liar.

2. Tussle with Babar Azam in Pakistan Super League (2023)

In the 2023 edition of the Pakistan Super League, Amir, playing for Karachi Kings, displayed aggressive behavior towards Pakistan captain Babar Azam of Peshawar Zalmi.

He threw a ball in Babar’s direction after being hit for boundaries. The incident led to widespread criticism on social media.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi criticized Amir’s actions, and Amir later responded, denying any wrongdoing.

3. Outburst on National TV (Year Unknown)

Amir almost hurled abuse at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on a national TV show while discussing Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy victory. Amir immediately realized his mistake and apologized on air.

4. Pakistan Cricket Spot-Fixing Scandal (2010)

The most significant controversy in Amir’s career occurred in 2010. He, along with Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, were involved in a spot-fixing scandal during a Test match against England at Lord’s.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the players, and they also received prison sentences. Amir’s involvement, particularly given his young age at the time, was a major shock to the cricketing world.

5. Criticism from Younis Khan

Following his behavior in the Pakistan Super League, Amir was criticized by Pakistan’s legendary former batter Younis Khan, who questioned Amir’s maturity and responsibility as a senior player.

6. Reaction to Shahid Afridi’s Claim

Amir reacted strongly to Shahid Afridi’s claim about a text message following Amir’s on-field altercation with Babar Azam. Afridi had claimed to have scolded Amir, which Amir denied, stating that Afridi only inquired about his fitness.