An Akram in the making?

Mohammad Aamir

When Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup, Mohammad Aamir was not even born.
But the country's newest pace sensation has a precious memento, a videotape of the glorious moments of Pakistan's famous triumph in Australia and he knows what it takes to become a champion.
"I was born two weeks after Pakistan won the World Cup but I watched the 1992 World Cup on tape and especially Wasim Akram's bowling," said Aamir, who modelled his style on the legendary left-arm paceman.
The 17-year-old is the latest addition to Pakistan's pace armoury and has impressed everyone, including former skipper Wasim, with his pace and swing.
"I have watched him more than once and he's impressive with over 140kmh speed and can swing the ball both ways," Wasim told AFP, predicting the rookie paceman can be a "revelation" in the World Twenty20.
Wasim came across Aamir in a talent-spotting programme, paving his way for selection for the Pakistan Under-19 tour to England in 2007.
Aamir took eight wickets, including a match-winning 4-30 in the third one-day win.
He also anchored Pakistan's win in the tri-nation Under-19 series in Sri Lanka, taking four wickets each against the hosts and England.
He was tipped to help Pakistan defend their Under-19 World Cup title in 2008 but a dengue virus cut short his tournament, eventually won by India.
Aamir hails from the small town of Gujjar Khan, some 30 kilometres from the capital Islamabad.
He grew up in an academy and could easily have become a soldier, like his father.
"I was never interested in joining the army. I was attracted by cricket and by Wasim Akram," admitted Aamir, who learned the basics of the game at the Bajwa academy.
Spotted and helped by cricket official Shakil Shaikh, Aamir gradually progressed to make an impressive first-class debut last year.
He took 56 wickets in just ten games, which earned him a call for Pakistan's tour to Bangladesh in March.
"Aamir's strong point is that he can judge a batsman after a few deliveries and then plan his deliveries. His swing and pace can come in handy," said Shaikh.
However, his international debut was delayed after Bangladesh postponed their planned one-day series because of security concerns.
But his chance could come sooner rather than later after Shoaib Akhtar was withdrawn from the Twenty20 squad due to injury.
Aamir is ready to grab his opportunity.
"My aim is to have success like Wasim's in 1992," said Aamir of Wasim, who finished as player of the 1992 World Cup tournament with 18 wickets.
"I want a fairytale success, and will do my best for it."