Pakistan name Mohammad Amir in squads for New Zealand

“First and foremost he’s been cleared to play all forms of cricket by the ICC (International Cricket Council)”. “It’s very hard to get a second chance, so it’s a big thing from my country, officials and fans that they have given me another chance”, he said.

“He was a very young man at the time and he’s gone through a sound rehabilitation program”. Instead, his long-awaited comeback looks set to come in New Zealand during a tour that includes three T20 contests and a further three ODI matches. “I haven’t spoken to the board about it but my gut feel is that would be the consensus”. “I don’t want to point to anyone, but we need our players to cover all the three dimensions of the game”.

“The series could happen in England sometime in June as the IPL is from April 9 to May 29 and both teams will have a window in June”, the source said.

Hafeez said: “They were just banned and went away from the fields”.

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum is willing to give Mohammad Aamer the “benefit of doubt” after the latter’s much-talked-about selection in the Pakistan squad for their limited overs tour of New Zealand.

“I think there is the objective view and the emotional view and three or four of the players have been rather emotional about the subject”.

“I won’t be sharing that”. While backing Amir’s recall, chief selector Haroon Rashid had argued that despite having spent five years in the wilderness, Amir was “still better” than most of the players he is competing with for a place.

Earlier, the tainted bowler was included in the 26-member national health camp in Lahore, whose return in the camp noticed divided opinions from the national workforce. Azhar was said to be unhappy with the presence of Amir in the national team training group.

Afridi, however, added he respected the stance taken by some players on Amir’s return to the team, including teammates Azhar Ali and Mohammad Hafeez.

Shahid Afridi’s support to Mohammad Amir’s return has turned out to be a crucial factor in his return and the Pakistan bowler is indebted to this help as he admits “I would like to thank Shahid Afridi for all of his support and guidance”. He told me truth first time I asked him in England. “He admitted his mistake we should back him now3/4”.