He drew comparisons with the great Wasim Akram during his maiden burst at last year's World T20 in England.
He drew comparisons with the great Wasim Akram during his maiden burst at last year's World T20 in England. Those assertions were verified when Mohammad Amir earned the respect of Australian and English batsmen in subsequent Test tours. The sport had found a new jewel.
The 18-year old sensation took 19 wickets in the recently concluded four Tests in England. However, the penultimate day of the series raised eyebrows about his sincerity, something that hasn't sunk in well with Aussie Geoff Lawson, the former Pakistan coach.
"If these allegations are proven, with the evidence seem damning, this will be the end of his cricket career. If not a life ban, we are looking at some jail time," Lawson told MiD DAY.
"He has been just 12 months into international cricket, and has been a revelation, not just for Pakistan, but for world cricket. Everybody loves him, not just for his talent, but a great smile, and enthusiasm for the game," added Lawson.
Lawson reckoned Amir's raw background makes him more likeable. "He comes from a small village in Swat valley ufffd a place deprived of electricity.u00a0 And yet, he has the sort of control over a cricket ball that most 30-year olds don't. People of all nations wanted him to succeed; even Indian fans love him. It's a tragedy that he's caught up in this."
Lawson did not think the players' humble background was an excuse to head in the wrong direction.
"They are given lectures from anti-corruption officers. Everyone is aware of what's happening in places like Dubai, especially players. In fact, ICC relies on players to make reports back to them.
"If this is not personal extortion, it is purely about money," the former Australia quickie rued. The greatest sadness is that the morality of cricket is being affected. 20 million people in Pakistan don't have a roof, fresh water and sanitisation. They need help, and this controversy has snubbed that issue. In these dark times, Pakistan needs a young talent like Amir to take the people's minds off all the problems. His career could be coming to an end just when it was starting," he said.
Lawson revealed that he is one of two final shortlists for the position of IPL franchise Kochi's head coach.
"I am very lucky to have come this close to sealing the deal. Hope I can get the job". When asked who he was going up against, he said "another Australian mate."
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