Mohammad Amir had to live with the consequences, he tarnished cricket: Alastair Cook

Alastair Cook, captain of England has been very frank in expressing his views about Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir. The English skipper states that the Pakistani left-arm fast bowler tarnished cricket and could have been banned for life. He also suggested that the bowler should be ready to face a hostile response from the crowds during the matches.

The left arm fast bowler who will most likely make his comeback in the upcoming 1st Test Lord’s, was involved in a spot-fixing which led him to be banned for five years.

“There is one thing that is not in doubt when you discuss Amir – he can bowl. He is going to be a real challenge for us as a batting unit. Take away all the off-field stuff he will be a real challenge. The fact is you don’t see many 18-year-olds bowl like he did. He’s an exceptional talent.”

“He was given a punishment at that time and he’s had to live with the consequences of what he’s done. He tarnished cricket. I’m not saying anything that is out of order at all. He has served his punishment and he comes back a fine bowler. I will say that it’s going to be a great challenge for us as a side facing him.”

Also, read – Najam Sethi proposes Gaddafi stadium be renamed after Edhi Sahab

Although Cook’s comments may not have gone too well with the Pakistan fans, he maintains that the English-Pakistan relationship remains warm, which he hopes will continue even after the summer.

“The England-Pakistan relationship, there’s been some controversial moments in Test series over the past 20 years. But actually, the last series we played in the UAE both sides were spot on the way we played our cricket.”

“The spirit between both sides and respect towards each other was at the right level. Even with a bit more external stuff here about Mohammad coming back, hopefully, we can continue that relationship. It’s good for the game.”