Ex-captain says Pakistan need Amir against India at World Cup

From being the spearhead of Pakistan bowling artillery to getting dropped from the side, fast bowler  Mohammad Amir's career has been a roller coaster ride.

With many arguing over Amir’s inclusion in Pakistan World Cup squad, former captain-turned-cricket commentator Ramiz Raja says that the speedster is still the country’s most ‘skillful’ bowler.

“There is much debate over the inclusion of Mohammad Amir in the World Cup squad, however you cannot ignore him, as he is still the most skillful bowler with the new ball for Pakistan,” said Raja who picked him in his 15-members squad for World Cup 2019, at Ramiz Speaks.

Raja admitted that Amir faces a number of issues, including fitness, mental and most visibly being his wrist action that has not been the same as Amir has not been able to swing the delivery as he used to.

“However, I would still take an outside chance and would include Mohammad Amir, because he is still a big match performer. As you known our biggest match would be against India, and against the arch rival we need a bowler who can bring the ball inwards with the new ball,” he added.

Ramiz Raja’s World Cup squad:

Imam ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abid Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Junaid Khan and Mohammad Amir.