New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum says convicted spot-fixer Mohammad Amir should be given “the benefit of the doubt” and be allowed to play for Pakistan in limited-overs matches in New Zealand this month.
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Amir will most likely make an appearance in the white ball series against New Zealand, and will probably not receive a good welcome back to the worldwide stage, especially with the spirit that New Zealand play their cricket in.
Amir was one of three Pakistan players banned and handed jail sentences for their role in the 2010 scandal at Lord’s, when he and fellow quick Mohammad Asif deliberately bowled no-balls in coercion with captain Salman Butt.
He also served three months of a six month prison term.
But in September this year the International Cricket Council lifted sanctions against the three players.
“I respect Azhar and Hafeez’a stance”.
Amir’s return to the squad was opposed by one-day captain Azhar Ali and former Twenty20 captain and current player Mohammad Hafeez.
First batch of Pakistan T20 squad is due to fly to New Zealand on January 10. “Amir is on the right path and has worked really hard in the fitness camp and I believe this kid has plenty to offer to Pakistan cricket”, he added.
Azhar Ali tendered his resignation as ODI skipper, which was rejected by the PCB, following Amir’s selection in a conditioning camp and Raja has sympathy for the top-order batsman. Amir spoke the truth both to courts and the Pakistani public.
Afridi took to twitter to express his support for the 23-year-old, and said that he is happy to have the left-armer back in the squad.
Chief selector Haroon Rasheed said: “Amir’s inclusion is subject to his visa and he was available for selection after being cleared by the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board”.
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T20 squad: Shahid Afridi (capt), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Aamer Yamin, Sarfraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Mohammad Rizwan, Saad Nasim, Mohammad Amir.
