Former Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria has slammed Mohammad Amir for ‘blackmailing’ Pakistan Cricket Board by making statements such as the option of moving out of the country and applying for British citizenship. Kaneria added that people can get an idea about Amir’s headspace as to why he wants to move to Britain as a citizen as it will make him eligible for playing in the Indian Premier League.
“I am taking nothing away from Mohammad Amir. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I feel he is trying to blackmail others with his statements so that he can make a return to the side. From his comments on moving to England and getting citizenship and playing the IPL, you can understand his headspace,” Kaneria said.
Kaneria said that Amir has been going on with a thankless approach towards the PCB that brought him back after he served a prison term for spot-fixing. He said that Amir’s performances have dipped significantly after the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 and hence he deserves to be axed from the side.
“Mohammad Amir should realize that Pakistan were really kind to bring him back after his spot-fixing scandal. But his performance over the last 1.5 years has been absolutely zero. Agreed he bowled really well in the ICC Champions Trophy, but since then he has been on a steep decline," the former spinner added.
Mohammed Amir had said that he has got indefinite leave to stay in Pakistan and that he is intending to play cricket for six or seven years more which led to speculation over his willingness to play in the IPL.