Pakistan T20 captain Afridi backs Amir selection

Amir’s selection, which was announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board, is subject to the fast bowler being granted a visa to enter New Zealand.

Pakistan will play three Twenty20s and as many one-day internationals in New Zealand later this month.

He has been chosen in the national squad for the primary time since his conviction. Azhar had to be convinced against resigning from the captaincy by PCB chief Shahryar Khan, who has been steadfast in backing Amir’s recall. All three were also sentenced to six months in prison in Britain. Afridi said that former players, critics and fans should back Aamir when he returns to the field.

Aamir and two other players – captain Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif – were suspended by the International Cricket Council after the Test for taking money to bowl predetermined no-balls in a spot fixing scam. However that sentiment did not last long with the shocking news of a provisional ban for Pakistan’s ace spinner Yasir Shah which has threatened to plunge the nation into another bout of depression. I would suggest let’s not plead Amir’s case if you are player, just go out there, play with him, try to get along with him and leave it there.

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”. “I think he is the same bowler he was five years ago”.

White says Amir’s visa application hasn’t been discussed at NZC board level but he expects it will be supported by the organisation.

New Zealand Cricket boss David White has no issue with Pakistan selecting convicted spot-fixer Mohammad Amir.

His selection was not unanimously welcomed within the Pakistan squad – the captain Azhar Ali attempted to resign while the opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez also stayed away from the training camp in protest of Amir’s return to the worldwide fold. We need to remember that the regulatory bodies have allowed him to come back.

Amir debuted in 2009 as a 17-year-old against Sri Lanka and played the last of his 14 tests against England at Lord’s – the performance that led to his downfall.