Published: Jul 02, 2016, 02:11 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 02, 2016, 02:25 PM (IST)
Mohammad Aamer has promised he’d learn from his past horrors and become a better cricketer as he gets ready to make his Test comeback. Aamer was banned by International Cricket Council (ICC) for 5 years in 2011 after he was convicted of spot-fixing. He along with Salman Butt (10 years) and Mohammad Asif (7 years) were banned from cricket. He made his international return against New Zealand earlier this year in ODIs. He will make his comeback in 5-day cricket in his side’s first Test against England at Lord’s, the same venue where he made his mistake. Pakistan are set to play four Tests, five ODIs and a one-off T20I on their tour to England. ALSO READ: Salman Butt backs Mohammad Aamer to return to form like Muhammad Ali
Speaking about the incident, skysports.com quoted Aamer say, “They are terrible memories, but now they are helping me because I’ve learned a lot and I want to be a better human being, and a better behaved cricketer. I am still learning. Nobody can be Mr Perfect. But the past is the past and I’m looking forward now. I want to be the best cricketer I can be for my country. If I work hard, the main aim for me is to be the world’s best bowler. It’s very special for me to be representing my country again and at the same place which it ended; same team, same crowd. I think for me it’s a miracle, but dreams come true.”
Aamer also revealed he struggled during the period of his ban. “Life was very tough and there were times I thought I might not be able to play again. I didn’t pick up a ball for three years. It was very depressing for me, because as a professional, it’s very difficult when you can’t use the facilities, play cricket, you can’t even touch the ball, so what are you going to do then?” ALSO READ: Mohammad Aamer feels lucky to play in English conditions
He also spoke about the challenge he would face at Lord’s, his venue of comeback. “Lord’s is a very special place, I have good and bad memories but now I hope to make more good memories for the future. I want to put my name on the honours board, like in 2010. Everybody has the right to their own opinion, and the crowd has the right to say some things, but my aim is to do well and behave. If I perform, hopefully they will forgive me and they will shout for me one day.”
He also went on to express his gratitude for people who supported him, including Michael Atherton himself. “First of all, you, you have always been very supportive, and in Pakistan; Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Yousuf, and especially Shahid Afridi. He was the captain when I was coming back in the team. I’m really thankful to them always, and Michael Holding, he was always very supportive. I’m really thankful, from bottom of my heart.”
Aamer also expressed his gratitude for Test skipper Misbah-Ul-Haq. “He is a very respected player all over the world, and he has always been very supportive, giving statements about me. I will try my best to make him proud.”
