Hailing from the city of saints, Multan, Amir Yamin is a right-arm medium-pace bowler, another of those surprise all-round packages that spring up from Pakistan out of nowhere. He made his ODI debut in the tour of Zimbabwe back in 2015 and later in the same year, he was called up for a debut appearance in T20Is in a home-series against England.
Amir was supposed to be synonymous to the early-2000s' all-round potential that Pakistan possessed and fill in the boots of the likes of Abdul Razzaq. However, owing to limited chances on the biggest stage and some untimely form slumps have barred Amir from truly showcasing his talents to the world and to the Pakistani fans themselves.
Amir featured in all ODIs in the Zimbabwe series and is renowned for the vital 62 runs that he made in the 2nd ODI that brought the Greenshirts marginally close in a cliffhanger that Zimbabwe eventually won by the D/L method. Despite a promising genesis to his international career, Amir was largely ignored and was only brought back to the side in the series against World XI in 2017.
Here, he talks about that special innings, reflects upon his journey through the ups and downs of the Pakistan Super League, and also reveals his cricketing ideals.
Q: We'd like to ask you about a very interesting match played in Zimbabwe - the same series where you debuted for Pakistan, too. In the 2nd ODI of that particular tour, Pakistan were chasing a target set by the hosts and were dealt early blows at the start of the innings. You alongside Shoaib Malik built together an outstanding partnership in which you played superbly. Firstly, we'd like you to reflect upon that innings, how you found confidence while being in such immense pressure and how did Shoaib Malik assist you. Secondly, Pakistan were cruising along before rain played spoil sport and Pakistan couldn't edge across the winning line. How disappointed were you with the result after putting in such a hefty effort?
A: I think we were chasing a target of 276 runs and we were already 6 down for just 76 runs on the board. While I was observing the game from the dressing room, I was getting anxious with the briskness with which the wickets kept falling. At the same time, however, there was this confidence brewing up in me that when my turn comes to walk out there in the middle, I will not fall down and get out to them like this and will try my best to win the game for Pakistan.
When I strolled out onto the crease, I took two to three deliveries to settle down. I then talked to Shoaib (bhae) and told him that I will try to approach the run-chase more positively, the team is already stuck in an abyss so let me break the shackles and divert the pressure. Shoaib (bhae) was initially insisting on not being overly positive but then instructed me to proceed in whatever way I find more suitable. I didn't hesitate in displaying my strokeplay and managed to accumulate 62 runs (consisting of four 6's and five 4's). We came mightily close of chasing down the opposition's total before badlight suspended play.
Q: Who is your role model in Cricket - someone who sparked the interest and passion of the game in you?
A: By watching the Pakistani superstars of the past - the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Abdul Razzaq - I discovered my interest in Cricket. In the '99 World Cup where Wasim (bhae) was skipper, I watched his and Shoaib Akhtar's bowling, watched Abdul Razzaq's batting, and from that point onwards, the excitement for the game really stirred up inside me.
Q: Let's now talk about your journey in the Pakistan Super League. How do you see your experience in PSL so far, the overall experience, the achievements, and the lessons you have learned along the way?
A: PSL is a massive success for Pakistan Cricket, as a whole and also a very reasonable source of income for players like us who are not representing the national team on a regular basis. The standard of Cricket is very close to what we experience on the international stage. In my inaugural PSL stint, I represented Peshawar Zalmi and played two to three matches under the captaincy of Shahid Afridi. Next year, I was slotted into Lahore Qalandars and although I didn't get as much matches under my belt as I had anticipated, I still featured in some matches. I was with the Qalandars during the third season, too.
My last two editions have been with the Karachi Kings and I am very pleased with the opportunities that I have been given here. The confidence entrusted to me by the likes of Imad Wasim and Wasim Akram was highly encouraging. Imad Wasim, in particular, has always been extremely supportive. He has played Grade Two Cricket with me and always boosted my confidence in my own game at every level. Unfortunately, I tore my hamstring this year. But I hope to rejoin Karachi for the remaining PSL games and perform to the best of my abilities.
