Daily Times

LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler Muhammad Amir brought joy to young children suffering from Thalassemia when he visited the Fatmid Foundation here on Tuesday. Aamir was seen signing bats for the young patients as he distributed the team’s merchandise to them. While speaking to reporters present at the hospital, Aamir extended his support to the rehabilitation programme launched by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reintegrate Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Aamir back in to cricket. “The rehabilitation programme is a great step by the board and we should all support it. Such programmes should also be created for Under-19 players, in order to guide them from that early stage,” said Aamir.

Aamir was only 18-years-old when he was charged and subsequently banned for the spot-fixing at Lord’s in a Test series against England in 2010. The youngster was also asked about how he felt regarding the board’s decision to not allow the trio to practice while players from the national team are having their practice sessions at the national academy. “Well that’s nothing new, whenever national team camps take place all those players who aren’t part of the national squad currently don’t get to practice with the team members as it is,” said Aamir.

The 23-year-old also spoke about the support that he has been getting from the cricketing fraternity as he prepares to come back into the sport. “I started bowling again from the Grade II level. Then I played from Rawalpindi Rams, the captain Sohail Tanvir and the entire team, including the coach, backed me and motivated me to perform well,” he said. He was then asked to comment on statements made by Muhammad Hafeez and Ahmad Shahzad, who have allegedly said they do not want to play with the tainted Aamir. Aamir said he knew nothing about such statements and that even if they had been said, he didn’t hold a grudge against the two. “I don’t know anything about this, we don’t have any animosity between each other. God knows ones intentions and I believe that God rewards people for good intentions.” He added: “My focus is just on my cricket. I have set certain short goals for myself to stay focused, for example my current aim is to perform well in the National T20. If I perform well and showcase that I’m fit, it will be on PCB then to decide my fate. I hope these things with players will get cleared in due time.”

Aamir added that these players had their own opinions which he was sure were not shared by everyone in Pakistan. He talked about the support he has been receiving from former cricketers such as Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar. He spoke further about visiting the Fatmid Foundation, saying that on his previous visits to the foundation, he had realised that the organisation needs support from everyone else to proceed with their operations. He concluded by speaking on his future, saying that everything was not in his control, therefore he was trying to focus on the current opportunity granted to him assuring that he would not waste it.