Former Pakistani Bowler Amir Expresses Regret Over Not Bowling to Indian Players at Home and Missing Kohli's Visit to Lahore

Mumbai, Dec 15 (NationPress) Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who made his final exit from international cricket on Saturday, leaves the sport with two notable regrets: never having the chance to bowl against India on his home ground and missing the opportunity to host Virat Kohli at his residence in Lahore. With a UK passport now in hand, Amir is optimistic about potentially joining the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the future.

Amir, who had a remarkable debut as a teenager during the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup in the UK, expressed his disappointment over India's choice to not visit Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. This decision has taken away his chance to bowl to renowned Indian players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

"India not touring Pakistan has saddened me," Amir shared with Telecom Asia Sport from Sri Lanka, where he is currently participating in a T10 league. "If they had come to Pakistan, they would have understood their popularity here. Fans were eager to see Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah," he added in an exclusive interview.

Amir fondly recalled his time in India, having taken the wicket of legendary player Sachin Tendulkar in a Champions Trophy match, which contributed to Pakistan's first victory against India in ICC events. "I visited India and felt the immense love from fans and players alike. It would have been fantastic if Indian players had come to Pakistan, as they have a large fan base there," said Amir, whose promising career faced a setback due to a five-year ban related to a spot-fixing scandal in 2010.

Upon his return to international cricket after serving the ban, Amir played a crucial role in Pakistan's victory over India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, taking the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan.

Amir holds Virat Kohli in high esteem, recalling the bat that the Indian star gifted him before their Twenty20 World Cup clash in Kolkata. "Kohli is an exceptional player who appreciates talent," said Amir. "I would definitely have hosted him at my home."

"Kohli presented me with his bat, and I was truly touched by his gesture," Amir reminisced. "I have always admired his batting, and he respects my bowling. I’ve had some memorable moments using his bat."

Amir's dream of hosting Kohli could become a reality in London, where both players periodically reside. "I now have UK residency," said Amir, whose wife, Narjis, is a UK citizen. "Insha'Allah, I’ll acquire my UK passport by February 2025, making my wish to host him possible in the UK," he mentioned to Telecom Asia Sport.

With his UK passport, Amir is also considering opportunities in the IPL as an overseas player. "Why not?" he responded when asked about this possibility. "Perhaps by 2026, I’ll be able to play in the IPL, as I’m still participating in leagues worldwide."

Amir expressed contentment with his international career, concluding with impressive statistics: 119 wickets in 36 Tests, 81 in 61 ODIs, and 71 in 62 T20Is.