Pakistan Rejects Azhar Ali’s Resignation Over Amir Return

One-day captain Azhar Ali and opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez have agreed to join a Pakistan conditioning camp following discussions over the controversial inclusion of Mohammad Amir.

Seam bowler Amir recently returned to competitive cricket after being banned for five years because of spot-fixing in a Test match in England in 2010.

The Pakistan Cricket Board meanwhile has asked former captain Shoaib Malik to take Amir under his wing in the forthcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), a Twenty20 league where both will play for the Karachi Kings.

“But we are willing to discuss the matter with only the PCB Chairman”, he said.

The former captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team, Imran Khan, who is leader of one of the leading political parties of the country and is most respected former cricketer, has backed the 23-year-old bowler Muhammad Amir to be included in the team. “But if so [Amir is selected] then they both have to stand with him and should not see him with suspicion or behave badly with him”.

Meanwhile, Shaharyar also admitted that the PCB had committed a mistake when the committee which was assigned to liaise with the other players over Amir’s issue could not convey the real situation to him (PCB chief) well in time.

Beyond the controversy surrounding the returning paceman, Pakistan was hit Sunday with the provisional suspension of its premier spinner Yasir Shah after he tested positive for a banned substance.

Hafeez, who in November spoke publicly against Amir, said he forgave him but was sticking to principle. Playing cricket is my passion and I don’t need to convince people about my talent.

The first pool comprises those players who joined the camp from the very first day and Amir is among them.

On Saturday, Hafeez stressed his stance was not directed at a particular individual.

“I understand there is a policy of the board and we have to follow it. But that does not change my view that anyone who has tarnished the image of Pakistan should not be allowed to play for the country again”, he said.