Fast-bowler named in ODI and T20 squads for Pakistan's upcoming tour of New Zealand
Pakistan recall Amir after five-year ban
Fast-bowler Mohammad Amir has been picked in Pakistan's squad for their tour of New Zealand, the first time he's been selected for the national team since he served a five-year ban for spot-fixing.
Amir was one of three Pakistan players banned and handed jail sentences for their role in the 2010 scandal at Lord's, when he and fellow quick Mohammad Asif deliberately bowled no-balls in coercion with captain Salman Butt.
The left-armer was recently selected for Pakistan's training camp in Lahore, with his presence in the training group sparking objections from ODI skipper Azhar Ali and allrounder Mohammad Hafeez. Reports last week said Amir had offered to leave the squad in a tearful appeal for forgiveness, which was eventually accepted.
Quick Single: Emotional Amir welcomed back by Pakistan
Now 23, Amir returned to domestic cricket in March and has showed plenty of the ability that had him regarded as one of the best young quicks in the world at the time of his ban.
In an exclusive column for cricket.com.au, Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq said while Amir had lost none of his trademark swing and speed, the issue of team harmony needed to be addressed.
Exclusive: Misbah discusses the recalled Mohammad Amir
"I think he is the same bowler he was five years ago ... but right now the question is not about his performance," Misbah wrote in a column penned before Amir's selection was confirmed.
"Some players had reservations against his comeback and I think the cricket board has done the right thing by engaging players and Amir in conversation. It will be good for everybody.
"We need to remember that the regulatory bodies have allowed him to come back. We players shouldn’t even comment on it and need to respect the decision of the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board."
T20 skipper Shahid Afridi also threw his support behind the returning quick.
Happy to have Amir back in team. He told me truth first time I asked him in England. He admitted his mistake we should back him now3/4
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 1, 2016
Amir also always backed team and didn't lie like others did. He didn't go to TV shows and criticized team like the others did for no reason.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 1, 2016
Amir's selection is pending visa approval, with chief selector Haroon Rashid telling local media the quick encounters visa problems because of his conviction.
Amir is one of three frontline left-arm quicks in the touring party, alongside Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali and Mohammad Irfan.
Pakistan will play three T20s and three ODIs against the Black Caps, starting on January 15.
ODI squad: Azhar Ali (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sohaib Maqsood, Zafar Gohar, Imad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir
T20 squad: Shahid Afridi (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Aamer Yamin, Sarfraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Mohammad Rizwan, Saad Nasim, Mohammad Amir