Former Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir has reacted to Shahid Afridi’s old claim where the latter said he scolded the pacer.
During the 2023 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Amir had a heated moment with Pakistan captain Babar Azam during a match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi — which was also the first game of the tournament — where Amir threw the ball towards Azam in aggression after the batter played a defensive shot.
Amir, 31, was criticized heavily by fans on social media for his actions during the match. Afridi also gave his opinion on the incident on a local channel.
Boom Boom stated that he texted Amir where he scolded the pacer for his actions.
"I talked to him respectfully, but I also scolded him. I told Amir, ‘what do you want?’. You have gained so much respect, you faced a blot on your reputation, and from there, you made a return. You got a new life, in a way. What are you even trying to do?” Afridi said.
“If you want to play for Pakistan, you have to play alongside Babar only. Will you be able to look him in the eye? Can you play under his captaincy? Focus on your performance, control your aggression, and go back home peacefully.”
After long four months, Amir reacted to Afridi’s statement when he was asked about the incident in an interview with a local channel.
“I received his message but this wasn't it. He only praised my bowling and enquired about my injury. But the things like 'how will you face Babar'... this wasn't in his texts at all. What harm have I caused Babar or vice-versa? I found it very weird,” he said.
“I don't know what he was thinking when he said that. I guess he speaks a little quickly so he might have mistakenly said that. Babar and I have a mutual understanding and respect. He never bad-mouthed me and same from my side as well. But public thinks we are enemies. It was never like that,” he added.
- Shahid Afridi