KARACHI – Mohammad Aamer shot to fame in his first year as an international when his exploits led to comparisons with legendary left-arm paceman Wasim Akram. But now, just 18 years old, he finds himself engulfed by a scandal which has rocked the sport. Aamer played a key role in guiding Pakistan to the World Twenty20 title in 2009 – the first time he was included in senior team. His 5-79 at Melbourne in 2009 and then seven wickets in Pakistan’s sensational first Test win over Australia in 15 years at Leeds in July last year, earned praise from former captain Imran Khan. “Aamer is an amazing talent,” Khan said. “I have watched him closely and I can say that he is streets ahead of Wasim when he was 18.” Wasim, who spotted Aamer in a coaching clinic in 2006, didn’t differ.
“Aamer is certainly cleverer than me when I was 18,” said Wasim, after watching Aamer at Lord’s against Australia in July last year. After squaring their two-Test series against Australia, Pakistan faced England and former captain Nasser Hussain warned his team of the potential danger, pinpointing Aamer as the “Sultan of Swing”.
Aamer did swing his team’s fortunes with 5-52 to finish with man-of-the-match honours in the four-wicket win at The Oval. In the last Test at Lord’s, Aamer destroyed England with a burst of six wickets on day two. “To see an 18-year-old fall in the pit was disappointing,” said former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja. “He had the world, everyone was raving about the talent and if he was keeping bad company he may have been dragged into wrongdoing.” Aamer grew up in a small village called Chunga Bangyal, some 55 kilometres from Islamabad. Impressed by his cricketing talent, Aamer’s parents sent him to Bajwa academy. “Aamer was awesome ever since he joined us in 2004,” said Asif Bajwa, head of the academy.
“He was a very good student, excellent bowler and able batsman and we instantly realized that he had the potential to play for Pakistan. Many, including ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat, believe that if Aamer is found guilty he should be treated leniently considering his age and the fact that this is his first offence. Aamer is confident he will play again. “Not playing cricket is a great pain,” Aamer told AFP. “I hope and pray that my bad days are over and I return to international cricket sooner than later.”
