PHOTO: AFP
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan is mulling disciplinary action against Pakistan ODI captain Azhar Ali and right-hand batsman Muhammad Hafeez’s after their refusal to train alongside Muhammad Amir.
"I have already had discussions with some players on Amir's issues and we have tried to address concerns. I will again talk to Hafeez and Azhar and sort out this matter," said Shaharyar, as quoted by Press Trust of India.
"They [Azhar and Hafeez] are centrally contracted players and we can than see if we should take disciplinary action against them. But we would like this situation to be resolved amicably once for all," added Shaharyar.
Azhar, Hafeez boycott camp, refuse to train alongside Amir
Earlier, on Thursday, Azhar and Hafeez refused to train alongside Amir as they joined the training camp. Both players were busy playing in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy in Karachi. The camp has been set up for the tour to New Zealand in January.
According to the Express News, Azhar and Hafeez informed head coach Waqar Younis regarding their reservations during a meeting.
“I will not move away from my stance and go back to the camp until Amir is there” said Hafeez.
PCB seeks legal advice over Amir visa issue
Azhar seconded Hafeez’s standing and said that if the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan calls him only then he will go back to the camp.
“I am not willing to play alongside a player who caused disgrace to my country,” said Azhar.
Amir's return not that simple: Misbah
Pakistan's Test captain Misbahul Haq told BBC Urdu on Thursday that Amir's return is a tricky situation for the players and the PCB.
"It is not a simple issue," said Misbah. "It is a difficult issue for everyone. We don't know what will be the reaction of the people when our team plays. No one knows or realizes what will happen if Amir plays," he added.
Pakistan insists recalled paceman Amir rehabilitated
Misbah said players and captains have concerns.
"I think there will be people in PCB who have concerns as well. Players have forgiven the three players but the reaction is still a big question and it will be very difficult for any captain as there will be questions from media, how crowds will react abroad particularly in England," said Misbah.
Test captain further said that PCB should have taken the players into confidence before inducting Amir in the camp.
"But from what I am hearing this will happen in the camp and I am sure the PCB will take players into confidence."
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