Amir's bold goals for World Cup

Pakistan pace ace Mohammad Amir has set himself and his country some lofty goals ahead of next year’s World Cup in the United Kingdom.

Amir hopes Pakistan can win the 50-over showpiece event for a second time after their 1992 triumph and continue Pakistan’s limited-overs success in the UK after winning the Champions Trophy last year.

And if winning the World Cup wasn’t enough, Amir wants to be the best bowler in the quadrennial competition. 

The left-armer was a key member in Pakistan’s potent fast-bowling unit that won the 2017 Champions Trophy, with Amir picking up 3-16 in the final, including the prize wicket of India captain Virat Kohli.

Amir and Pakistan are back in the UK preparing for the historic Test match against Ireland next month, but the 26-year-old has already outlined his plans for next year’s World Cup. 

"We have a good rotation policy and that’s why I’m well prepared for the tournament," Amir told the ICC. 

"It’s such a big event. First of all, I wish Pakistan win and then (I wish) to be the best bowler in the tournament."

Nine years after he was caught spot fixing in a Test at Lord’s, Amir is set to make his World Cup debut after missing the past two editions due to his five-year suspension from international cricket.

"It will be my first World Cup and I will try to do my best," he said.

"It’s like a dream come true. 

"Representing your country and playing in a big ICC tournament, one has to be lucky for all this and I consider myself just that."

Amir was late in joining Pakistan in England for their four-day tour match against Kent after his visa was not issued with the rest of the tourists.

But last Tuesday he received the required paperwork and linked up with his teammates for the ongoing clash in Canterbury that has been marred by rain.

Pakistan have one more warm-up match – against Northamptonshire from May 4 – before facing Ireland in Dublin in what will be the hosts’ first ever Test match.

Ireland and Afghanistan were granted Test match status 13 months ago, with Afghanistan set to play neighbours India in their debut Test in Bengaluru in June. 

Australia at World Cup 2019

v Afghanistan at Bristol, June 1 (D/N)

v West Indies at Trent Bridge, June 6

v India at The Oval, June 9

v Pakistan at Taunton, June 12

v Sri Lanka at The Oval, June 15

v Bangladesh at Trent Bridge, June 20

v England at Lord's, June 25

v New Zealand at Lord's, June 29 (D/N)

v South Africa at Old Trafford, July 6 (D/N)

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2019 FULL SCHEDULE:

Cardiff Wales Stadium, Cardiff

1 June – New Zealand v Sri Lanka (d)

4 June – Afghanistan v Sri Lanka (d)

8 June – England v Bangladesh (d)

15 June – South Africa v Afghanistan (d/n)

County Ground Bristol, Bristol

1 June – Afghanistan v Australia (d/n)

7 June – Pakistan v Sri Lanka (d)

11 June – Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (d)

County Ground, Taunton

8 June – Afghanistan v New Zealand (d/n)

12 June – Australia v Pakistan (d)

17 June – Windies v Bangladesh (d)

Edgbaston, Birmingham

19 June – New Zealand v South Africa (d)

26 June – New Zealand v Pakistan (d)

30 June – England v India (d)

2 July – Bangladesh v India (d)

11 July – Second semi-final (2 v 3) (d)

12 July – Reserve day

Hampshire Bowl, Southampton

5 June – South Africa v India (d)

10 June – South Africa v Windies (d)

14 June – England v Windies (d)

22 June – India v Afghanistan (d)

24 June – Bangladesh v Afghanistan (d)

Headingley, Leeds

21 June – England v Sri Lanka (d)

29 June – Pakistan v Afghanistan (d)

4 July – Afghanistan v Windies (d)

6 July – Sri Lanka v India (d)

Lord’s, London

23 June – Pakistan v South Africa (d)

25 June – England v Australia (d)

29 June – New Zealand v Australia (d/n)

5 July – Pakistan v Bangladesh (d/n)

14 July – Final (d)

15 July – Reserve day

Old Trafford, Manchester

16 June – India v Pakistan (d)

18 June – England v Afghanistan (d)

22 June – Windies v New Zealand (d/n)

27 June – Windies v India (d)

6 July – Australia v South Africa (d/n)

9 July - First semi-final (1 v 4) (d)

10 July – Reserve day

The Oval, London

30 May – England v South Africa (d)

2 June –South Africa v Bangladesh (d)

5 June – Bangladesh v New Zealand (d/n)

9 June – India v Australia (d)

15 June – Sri Lanka v Australia (d)

The Riverside, Chester-le-Street

28 June – Sri Lanka v South Africa (d)

1 July – Sri Lanka v Windies (d)

3 July – England v New Zealand (d)

Trent Bridge, Nottingham

31 May – Windies v Pakistan (d)

3 June – England v Pakistan (d)

6 June – Australia v Windies (d)

13 June – India v New Zealand (d)

20 June – Australia v Bangladesh (d)