Amir to be considered for the New Zealand tour

A reinvigorated Mohammad Amir is set for a comeback

The road for the tainted Pakistani seamer Mohammad Amir seems to be becoming easier by the day. In the latest development, the PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan was reported to be considering Amir’s name for the upcoming tour of New Zealand in January.

While he is not in contention for the upcoming probable series against India, Amir’s return comes as a significant reward for his performances in the domestic league as well as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) since his reinstatement in September.

"No he is not under consideration for the planned series against India as they are still things we would like to first discuss with him and sort out before allowing him back into the national side," Khan said.

To a question on whether he was in contention for New Zealand tour, Khan responded in the affirmative. "Yes, we are looking at him for this series and he could return to the national side on the tour," Khan said.

The PCB Chairman has also made it clear that it was considering the opinions of other senior players such as Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, and the man opposed to Amir’s return to the national side, Mohammad Hafeez.

However, he also made it clear, that its decision wouldn’t completely be based on the feedback received from the aforementioned players. "We are getting feedback from them on his behavior and attitude and how he is doing. But it wouldn't be right to say we will base our decision on his comeback on this feedback," he said.

Khan also said that there was a common opinion that Amir had completed the rehabilitation and reintegration program initiated by the PCB upon the player’s return. Now, since he is performing well, he should be in contention for selection in the national team.

For Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, Khan said that their rehab was still going on and they would be required to play first-class matches before being considered for the national team.

The PCB has no doubts whatsoever over Amir’s abilities, Khan said that the only question that remains is of his behaviour and attitude. "We will sit down with him and have a talk with him before the final decision."

Amir has been phenomenal since his return to competitive cricket and has so far taken 14 wickets in the BPL at 12.64, at a humbling strike-rate of 13.6, which include the scalps of Afridi, Misbah and Hafeez.