ISLAMABAD
Comeback cricketer M Aamir has vowed to perform well in domestic circuit and win back the hearts of his fans and the national selectors.
Talking to The Nation, Aamir expressed said: “I have started new life in the cricket grounds and I will prove how fit I am through my performances. I am least bothered about how many wickets I manage to take, as I will take some time to settle down, but I am really enjoying while bowling in the Patron’s Trophy Grade-II match against CDA. I have been bowling with same passion, aggression, pace and line and length which proves very helpful in bowling well. When asked about his banned period and who stands by his side, Aamir replied: “It was a very torrid time. Obviously, my family stands by me who lend me tremendous support during my hard times. I would also like to say a big thanks to my mentor Sir Asif Bajwa, close buddy Rizwan Bhatti, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) who also did a lot for me. During this tough time, my fans also boosted me up for my return to cricket. Without encouragement and unconditional support of all my well wishers, it was too tough for me to return to cricket.”
“I would also like to thank Rawalpindi Region head coach Sabih Azhar, who not only motivated me but also assured me his all-out assistance to play domestic cricket from Rawalpindi Region,” he added.
When asked about how much negative response he received after staging comeback, Aamir replied: “There are always two type of people, one are supportive and other are negative, but by the grace of Almighty, I had majority of those who were bucking me up and they were eager to see me back in action. I will try my best to win their hearts by playing honest cricket and sterling performances and also help my country win crucial matches.”
He said he had set his sights on Twenty20 Cup, after that the full-fledged first class season would start from September-October. “I am sure I will be able to regain my match fitness and bowling strength and bowl up to the mark.”
To a query regarding his inclusion in the national team, he said it would be too early to comment on that. “I am working hard, spending time in nets and bowling with full rhythm, and will continue to impress the selectors with my performances which will automatically open national team’s doors for me. I am waiting anxiously for this moment for which I have waited long, long way. I am now a completely different person and a better human being.”
When asked does he feel there was any conspiracy theory behind his involvement in 2010 spot-fixing scandal, the pacer stated: “A lot of time has passed since 2010, and I don't want to comment on that. I am looking forward to start a new and fresh career and want to win my fans hearts. I am humbled and would do whatever I can to live up to the expectations of the fans and the PCB. I just need 4 to 5 Grade-II matches to get back into full match fitness and second chance to represent the country. I will not disappoint any and play out my heart to help national team scale new heights.”
To a query regarding Pakistan-Australia World Cup quarterfinals, Aamir replied: “Pakistan team has regain its lost touch, and if they play positively and with passion and aggression, they can easily beat not only Australia but also others who will come in their way to clinch the World Cup trophy. My prayers are with national team, and I hope they will return home with World Cup trophy which will be a great gift for the entire Pakistani people who deserve something to cheer about.”