'Ye koi tareeka hai? There are juniors and you are using bad words' - Shahid Afridi opens up on interaction with Mohammad Amir

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has revealed that he slammed Karachi Kings’ Mohammad Amir during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match. The former Pakistan skipper was annoyed with the pacer for his behaviour during the match against Peshawar Zalmi on Tuesday, February 14. The match saw an interesting match-up between Amir and Babar Azam. Later, Amir was seen throwing the ball towards Babar in frustration which annoyed Afridi.

Amir, on the other hand, said that he always loves these kinds of match-ups and it keeps him focused on the game. He also added that his main role is to pick wickets and does not differentiate any batter, regardless of the ability. 

"These kinds of matchups and player rivalries keep players on their toes. I personally like these sort of challenges because it keeps me focused. My job is to take wickets and win matches for my team, so for me, facing Babar or a tailender batting at number 10 will be the same," Amir told ARY news. 

“Whenever a player doesn't perform, or even if he does, I drop him a message to call him. Likewise, I messaged Amir yesterday. I talked to him respectfully, but I also scolded him. I told Amir, 'what do you want?’ You have gained so much respect, you faced a blot on your reputation and from there, you made a return. You got a new life, in a way. What are you even trying to do?” Afridi said.

While talking to Samaa TV Afridi slammed the 30-year-old pacer, saying that he texted him for his unsportsmanlike behaviour.
 
“Ye koi tareeka hai? (Is this the way to play?) There are juniors around you, you are using bad words. There are fans who are disheartened to see that. Even we have used such words and sometimes, the camera used to catch us. There are families and kids watching you on television. Aggression is fine, but keep it under control,” he added.

The former all-rounder also revealed that he told Amir if he plays for Pakistan again, he could play along with Babar. Notably, the speedster retired from international cricket in 2020. However, the Babar-led Peshawar Zalmi beat Karachi Kings by two runs at the National Stadium in Karachi. 

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