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Amir’s toughest phase is over – Azhar Ali
- Updated: May 31, 2016
Pakistan batsman and ODI captain Azhar Ali has backed fast bowler Mohammad Amir’s presence in the side for the tour of England, where the latter was charged for his involvement in the spot-fixing controversy in 2010, and has said that toughest phase in the bowler’s career is over. The PCB has submitted a visa request for Amir to clear his selection for the tour, before the team’s departure on June 18. Pakistan are set to tour England for four Tests, five ODIs and a T20I from July and are also scheduled to play two ODIs against Ireland.
Azhar, along with senior allrounder Mohammad Hafeez, had opposed Amir’s return to the Pakistan side last year. The two players had refused to join a conditioning camp in December and the PCB later revealed it had turned down Azhar’s offer to resign over Amir’s inclusion in the camp. Azhar and Hafeez agreed to return ‘unconditionally’ to the camp after meeting with PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan.
“[The year] 2010 is in the past and now we need to look forward,” Azhar said, when asked about Amir’s possible presence in England. “It has been a while now since he has been with us. It could have been tough, had he came in straight on such a tour, but now, after playing with us for a long time, things have settled. Even he isn’t under pressure because he has already made his comeback a few months ago and the toughest phase is over for him. I know England was the place where the incident [in 2010] happened but hopefully he can handle the pressure like he did on his comeback. But still if anything happens, we, as a team, will handle it.”
The ECB has also indicated that it is supporting Amir’s visa application. “We understand Mohammad Amir has been selected to play in the forthcoming series in England. Any decision on his entry into the UK is ultimately one for the UK Government. We have spoken to the Pakistan Cricket Board and will provide any support the Government needs in making its decision. Support could also mean information and background,” a …
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