KARACHI/ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has backed controversial fast bowler Mohammad Amir for his aggressive on-field behavior and statements, saying that such aggression “adds spice to the PSL (Pakistan Super League).” 

Amir, who broke out into international cricket in 2009 as one of Pakistan’s best bowling prospects, saw his career nosedive when he was found guilty of spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010 and was handed a five-year ban in 2011. 

The Pakistani pacer returned to international cricket in 2016, instantly redeeming himself with a match-winning performance against arch-rivals India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. 

However, his decision to retire from international cricket in 2020 earned him substantial vitriol from Pakistani cricket fans. Amir vexed fans some more last month when he said for him bowling to a tailender and Pakistan captain Babar Azam was the same. 

Speaking exclusively to Arab News, Akram, who is president of PSL franchise Karachi Kings that Amir plays for, backed the pacer’s on-field aggression. 

“I think we have too much time on our hands,” Akram said, when asked about fans criticizing Amir for his aggressive on-field posturing. 

“You need characters, you need a bit of rivalry and I’m all for it. I’m all for Amir the way he is, the way he has been saying stuff.” 

In Wednesday’s match against Peshawar Zalmi, Amir finally lived up to his words and dismissed Azam by trapping him leg before wicket for zero. The star pacer went on to pick four wickets in the match, three of them from his first two overs. 

Akram said he did not see any point in fast bowlers being overtly friendly toward batters in a game of cricket. 

“Okay, after the game, before the game, I’m all for it. But during the game, be professional and these little words off the field also add spice to Pakistan Super League (PSL),” he said. 

“That’s the beauty of PSL and we should enjoy it instead of criticizing the person individually and consistently.” 

When asked who his favorite bowlers from this year’s PSL are, Akram named Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Amir. He said Afridi had the ability to take wickets under pressure, which was what was most needed in T20 cricket. 

“He [Afridi] does that beautifully and consistently and is a treat to watch,” Akram said. 

“And any other bowlers that come to mind in this PSL, I must say Amir. Mohammad Amir is also bowling very well with the new ball.”