PCB 'allowed' Mohammed Amir to travel with personal trainer to US, Ireland, UK

Despite the availability of a foreign trainer for the national side, Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir chose to travel with his personal trainer to the United States during the T20 World Cup 2024, sources told Geo News on Friday.

The sources indicated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management permitted Amir to bring his personal trainer, with the expenses covered by the pacer himself. The PCB facilitated the necessary arrangements for this setup.

Amir's personal trainer accompanied him not only to the US but also on tours to Ireland and England.

These details emerged as part of an analysis of Pakistan's poor performance in the 20-team tournament, which led to their early exit. Amir conceded 18 runs in the Super Over of one of the tournament's biggest upsets, significantly diminishing Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the Super 8 stage.

In a stunning turn of events, the US, making their debut in the T20 World Cup, defeated Pakistan by restricting them to 13 runs in the final over. The US, along with India, advanced to the Super 8 stage from Group A.

“Surprisingly, Amir, who returned to the team after retirement, did not train with the team but held separate sessions with his personal trainer,” the sources said.

Another factor cited for the team's distractions was the presence of family members during the tour. Along with players and support staff, 26-28 individuals, including cricketers’ wives and family members, traveled with the team during the tournament.

Notable players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, and Wahab Riaz were accompanied by their wives and children. Skipper Babar Azam’s parents and brother also joined the tour, while Haris Rauf traveled with his spouse.

Reports suggest that team players and their families held parties and gatherings after matches, contributing to the distractions during the tournament.