PCB ponders Amir's inclusion in national cricket squad
Mohammad Amir has created a strong case in his favour with his brilliant performance in BPL.
LAHORE (Web Desk / AFP) – Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shahryar Khan, Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed and head coach Waqar Younis have signaled fast bowler Mohammad Amir’s inclusion in the national cricket squad, Dunya News reported on Thursday.
Talking to media in Lahore, Waqar Younis said that he had a detailed discussion with the PCB chairman on Amir’s issue.
He said the 23-year-old pacer can re-join the team as he has faced punishment according to the designated rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“Amir has satisfied both ICC and PCB with his stunning comeback,” he added.
“We are considering Amir for the national team. But we will first summon him and guide him to keep a modest behaviour,” Shahryar told media in Lahore outside Gaddafi Stadium.
The chief said that Amir’s performance has been very dazzling recently as he is knocking on the door for a recall into the national side.
Hopes for Amir’s inclusion arise after Pakistan s defeat in both T20 and ODI series against England held in Dubai while the national players clinched victory in Test series under the captaincy of Misbah-ul-Haq.
Amir, now 23, was jailed in 2011 after admitting bowling no balls the previous summer against England at Lord’s in exchange for cash. His captain Salman Butt and bowler Mohammad Asif were jailed for similar offences but their hopes of returning for Pakistan look bleak.
But Amir, who has been playing Pakistan domestic cricket since earlier this year, told AFP recently he saw the BPL as "the first step towards reviving my international career" as he eyes next year’s World T20 in India.
The disgraced cricketer has dazzled in his matches in ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Playing for the Chittagong Vikings, Amir has grabbed 9 wickets in 7 matches so far.
Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq had also supported the 23-year-old pacer’s participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
"For Amir, I think it (the BPL) is good for him,” Misbah told reporters in Dhaka few days ago.
“He has been playing domestic cricket. So it’s a tournament where he can share the experience of some of the international players and see where he is at the moment.”
Misbah’s comments came in response to a question about whether he supported the view of team-mate Mohammad Hafeez, who refused an offer to play for Chittagong Vikings, saying he could not share the same dressing room with Amir.
