Mohammad Amir can win his image back vs England, says Wahab Riaz
Wednesday 13 July 2016 11:09, UK
Mohammad Amir will have the unwavering support of his Pakistan team-mates when he takes on England at Lord's this week, according to Wahab Riaz.
Riaz was part of the controversial tour of 2010, which saw Amir caught bowling deliberate no-balls and given a five-year spot-fixing ban.
Amir is set to resume his career at the Home of Cricket on Thursday when Pakistan begin the first Investec Test against England, live on Sky Sports 2, and despite previous reports to the contrary, Riaz is adamant his Pakistan team-mates are fully behind the seamer.
Live Test Cricket
"Everybody is supportive of Mohammad Amir - no one is reluctant," Riaz said. "We all take him as our young brother - he is a part of our family.
"I think he will deal with all those things. He is ready to answer with his performance, and that is what counts.
"He is a very intelligent bowler and a very strong lad. I want him to take five wickets in this Test match to get his name back and to get his image back - which has been spoiled.
"I wish him all the best to win this Test for Pakistan."
Amir feared he would never play cricket again when he was handed a prison sentence following the investigation.
The then 18-year-old was one of cricket's rising world stars before becoming embroiled in the spot-fixing scandal, and Riaz believes the bowler is focused on the game ahead.
"He is ready for everything," added Riaz. "If you make a mistake it doesn't mean...people will keep blaming you for that.
"It doesn't matter what people think - we are not here to answer what people think.
"We know things will come and go - but you hear it in one ear and you leave it with the other. You just concentrate on your cricket."
Disgraced agent Mazhar Majeed was pictured in 2010 wearing a jacket borrowed from Riaz, while allegedly receiving a five-figure sum from an undercover reporter.
But the player was never concerned he too might become embroiled in the conspiracy.
"When you have done nothing wrong, no one can pinpoint you," he said. "I was not worried. Seeing a picture never tells you the story."
