Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has come out hard at his ex-teammate Mohammad Amir and questioned his demands of removal of head coach Misbah ul Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis.
The left-arm pacer who was touted as the next big think of Pakistan cricket when he burst onto the scene in 2009 announced an untimely retirement in December 2020 citing problems with the coaching duo. He has promised to never return for national duties while Misbah and Waqar is still at the helm.
“From what he is saying, it looks like he was dealt unfairly. But I don’t know what happened between him and team management behind the scenes. He is saying that he will only play for Pakistan after Misbah and Waqar leave their post as head coach and bowling coach,” said Ajmal.
“It is not right for a player to ask for the removal of a coach. Amir should focus on his performance and cement his place before making such demands,” the off-spinner added.
Amir has been publicly questioning Misbah ul Haq and Waqar Younis for their ill-treatment meted out at the players. Amir had earlier said that he would consider coming out of retirement only if the coaching duo is removed from their post.
However, Saeed Ajmal who was an integral part of the Pakistan unit feels that it is never right for any player to demand the ouster of coaching personnel. During an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Ajmal stated that Amir should be focussing more on his game rather than making unrealistic demands. The offie felt that Amir’s retirement came more out of compulsion and desperation and he must stick to his decision rather than criticising the coaching group.
“Amir had given his retirement out of desperation but now he is thinking of coming back. If he has made his decision to retire, then he should stick to it,” Ajmal said.
Making his international debut way back in 2009, Mohammed Amir donned the Pakistan whites in 36 Tests besides playing 61 ODIs. He has a total of 259 wickets to his name in the international circuit.