Amir credits Shaheen Afridi for facilitating his return to Pakistan cricket

Pakistan, fast bowler Mohammad Amir has made a return to the national team after a nearly four-year hiatus. 

Speaking in a video, the left-arm pacer expressed his gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management, particularly Shaheen Afridi, for having faith in his abilities and facilitating his comeback.

“The credit [for bringing me back] goes to the management of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Shaheen [Afridi], they brought me back with trust, and there is some sort of pressure of fulfilling that promise,” Amir said.

Amir described his comeback as a significant moment, akin to his debut series

“I think I am coming back after almost four years, and when you are representing your country, it is a different moment and honestly, it feels like it is my debut series," he further added.

Furthermore, Amir stated that his return is centered around the team's short-term goal of winning the upcoming World Cup. Amir believes the team has made great strides by reaching the semi-finals and finals of recent tournaments, and he aims to help them take the final step toward victory.

“I came in 2009 for the first time, and Pakistan became the world champions. Then we played the 2017 Champions Trophy final, we became champions. PCB management brought me back with a short term goal that is the World Cup," Amir stated.

"Because the Pakistani team has played semi-final and final in recent tournaments, there is a line that we have to cross [winning the tournament], if that is achieved, for me, it would be a privilege that I was part of that team," he further added.

In terms of his fitness, Amir stated that he is in better shape now than in 2019. 

“I think my fitness level is much better than it was in 2019 because I’m feeling fitter than I ever did in recent years. If you are not fit, you cannot express yourself in the ground, no matter how many skills do you have. I believe with the fitness level I have right, I can contribute greatly to the team," he concluded.