Home » cricket news » If Mohammad Aamir wasn't banned, he would've been among the world's top bowlers, says Virat Kohli
 
SPEED NEWS

If Mohammad Aamir wasn't banned, he would've been among the world's top bowlers, says Virat Kohli

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 14 February 2017, 5:45 IST
QUICK PILL
  • Mohammad Aamir has been included in the Pakistani squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India.
  • Aamir was banned for five years for spot fixing, and only made his competitive return to cricket last year.
  • Kohli says Aamir would have been among the top 3 bowlers in the world had he not been banned for five years.

Indian vice captain Virat Kohli has said that he is "happy" to see fast bowler Mohammad Aamir back in the green jersey for Pakistan, after he was banned for five years for spot fixing in 2010.

Kohli spoke about Aamir's return during a press conference yesterday about India's fixture against Pakistan in the World T20. He said:

"I don't feel anything different playing Pakistan. It's the same game of cricket. I look at all oppositions with the same view. Matches against Pakistan are certainly competitive.

People may feel excited but for players it's the same as any other team. I am happy to see Aamir back, it's good to see that he has realised his mistake, learnt from it and rectified himself."

Even though questions were raised about Aamir's inclusion in the Pakistani team, Kohli has become one of the few non-Pakistani cricketers to welcome the decision. He also said that Aamir could have been one of the best bowlers in the world had he not strayed.

"I have always believed that he (Aamir) is a world class bowler and had he been around for the five years that he was banned, he would have certainly been in the top three bowlers in the world. He has a lot of talent, has got pace, bounce, a very good yorker."

"I wish him all the best. He has worked hard to make a comeback and it takes courage to do what he did."

First published: 23 February 2016, 4:21 IST