Azhar Mahmood throws weight behind Mohammad Amir

Multan Sultans’ bowling coach and former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has thrown his weight behind pacer Mohammad Amir, after the latter stepped away from international cricket over reservations with Pakistan’s team management.

While speaking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Mahmood said that Amir is a skillful bowler and he should be included in the national side if needed.

“There is no question about Amir’s skill level. He has been playing leagues all over the world but I don’t know about his issues with the team management. I think it’s his decision but if Pakistan needs him, Amir should definitely play,” said Mahmood.

He also spoke about Multan Sultans’ stellar comeback in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six.

“We have done well in, both, batting and bowling since the restart [of HBL PSL 6]. Players are performing in accordance with the role given to them, which is a good sign for us. T20 cricket is a game of momentum, which we didn’t have in the first leg, and this is why things are heading in the right direction for us,” he said.

Mahmood also praised young pacer Shahnawaz Dahani, who is the leading wicket-taker in the HBL PSL 6 with 18 wickets.

“Dahani is a very young but talented. His passion and the way he engages other players on the field with his celebration is very good for the team and Pakistan cricket in general,” he said. “Personally, I think he needs to learn few more things about how to bowl in international cricket. We are trying to improve his variations and death bowling but I’m sure he will learn that gradually as it is a long-term process. He definitely has the potential and, along with Waqar [Younis] bhai, we will work with him inorder to make him even a better bowler.”

He also shed light on the lack of opportunities for leg-spinner Usman Qadir in the Multan Sultans’ team since the HBL PSL 6 restart.

“Usman Qadir is an extraordinary spinner but the conditions are more favourable for seamers. There is also dew factor which is why he has been unable to get a chance to play. Meanwhile, Imran Tahir has also been bowling really well, who has been the number one bowler in the world in the past, and we are benefitting from his experience,” he concluded.