‘You want to give your best against the best batter in the world’ – Mohammad Amir opens up on rivalry with Babar Azam

Mohammad Amir and Babr Azam (Photo by ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Pakistan international Mohammad Amir has always been aggressive whenever he challenged Babar Azam in the middle. Notably, in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) the rivalry took to a new stage when the pacer reacted in a heated manner after Babar hit him for a boundary and ever since, there are speculations about possible bad blood between these two cricketers.

However, Amir cleared the air and stated that the rivalry is needed as it is essential for creating a competitive environment in the game. He went on to add that the batter versus bowler rivalry is what keeps the fans engaged in franchise cricket.

“This [healthy rivalry] is necessary. You want to give your best against the best batter in the world and aggression is needed by the bowler. Batter versus Bowler rivalry in franchise cricket keeps fans engaged with the tournament,” Amir was quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

Notably, while playing in the PSL this season, the 30-year-old made a controversial statement saying that bowling to Babar Azam or to a tailender is the same for him. However, he clarified that, stating that his sole focus remains on winning matches for the team, and therefore he wants to take as many wickets as possible without differentiating who is batting in front of him.

“These kinds of matchups and player rivalries, keep players on their toes. I personally like these sorts of challenges because it keeps me focused. My job is to take wickets and win matches for my team, so for me, facing Babar or a tailender batting at number 10 will be the same,” the pacer said.

Meanwhile, after his team Karachi Kings got eliminated from PSL, Amir has joined the Asia Lions squad at the ongoing Legends League Masters (LLC Masters). In his first match in the tournament, Amir leaked 29 runs in three overs as his team Asia Lions eventually lost the match by 10 wickets against India Maharajas. Next up, they are going to challenge World Giants on March 16 at West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha.

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