Published: Dec 26, 2015, 06:28 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 26, 2015, 06:31 PM (IST)
He may have served his five-year ban term but pace sensation Mohammad Amir continues to make the news. Pakistan’s ODI captain Azhar Ali and former captain Mohammad Hafeez had earlier refused to attend the camp protesting the inclusion of Amir for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing case, which tarnished the image of Pakistan. However on Saturday, post their meeting with PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan, the duo has agreed to attend the camp.
The PCB included Amir among the 26 players for the camp but many former and current cricketers protesting the decision. Azhar and Hafeez met Shaharyar and now have agreed. The PCB chairman in a report from AP, said, “I do respect their concerns but some of them, I told them, are not acceptable. They understood and confirmed that they are on the same page with us and now we are looking forward to the success of the team.”
Hoping that things will be positive from hereon, Shaharyar added, “It is now their responsibility — Azhar as captain and Hafeez as a senior player — to take him (Amir) like a family.”
Amir has been in brilliant form and claimed 14 wickets in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Pakistan selectors are considering selecting him for the upcoming New Zealand tour and accordingly have asked him to join the camp. Last month, Hafeez reportedly had refused to join Chittagong Vikings in the BPL where Amir played.
However, Hafeez has now agreed and said, “I have forgiven all who have damaged the integrity of Pakistan cricket through corruption but I, in principle, am against corruption and will keep holding this stance forever. I am happy that the PCB chairman heard my reservations and agreed to safeguard our concerns for the sake of Pakistan cricket.”
