PCB allows selectors to select Mohammad Amir for New Zealand Tour

Earlier, Amir earlier faced an opposition from senior players Mohammad Hafeez and One-Day International (ODI) Captain Azhar Ali, who opted out of the preparatory camp due to the presence of fast bowler.

Rasheed’s endorsement of Amir is a clear sign the 23-year-old pacer will be included in the Pakistan team for its upcoming series against New Zealand.

But with Amir now in the limelight and enjoying backing from all cricketing circles, including the 1992 World Cup winning captain Imran Khan and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) supremo Shaharyar Khan, the debate over his induction into the team has somewhat subsided. He tendered his resignation.

“It may take time for Amir to attain the same zip which he had in 2010, so we should not pressurise him and support him so that he can get back to his best”.

Waqar Younis, the Pakistan head coach, expressed his excitement on Thursday (December 31) over the imminent return of Mohammad Amir following a five-year ban for spot-fixing.

Hafeez, who has also been named in the squad, in November said that he would not be in the same team as Amir.

The ODI squad comprises Ahmed Shahzad, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sohaib Maqsood, Zafar Gohar, Emad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Mohammad Amir.

“I pleaded the case on behalf of the PCB and our opinion is that Amir completed his ban and as per country’s constitution he has every right to play cricket”, Rizvi told AFP.

“What has been hampering them is the fielding and fitness”. Fellow left-arm seamer Junaid Khan had a promising start to his career, but his threat has diminished greatly and has not been part of a Pakistan team since June.