Players asked to state in writing they have no problem with Amir

PCB steps up preparation to bring back left-armer into side ahead of New Zealand tour

KARACHI: The Mohammad Amir saga continues as players are reportedly unhappy with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after being asked to sign legal documents stating they do not object to Amir’s return to the national side.

ODI skipper Azhar Ali and senior player Mohammad Hafeez expressed their reservations against Amir’s comeback but were ‘bullied’ by PCB officials because they wanted Amir to return to the side at all costs.

Resultantly, Hafeez and Azhar gave in to PCB’s demands and agreed to train alongside Amir.

However, the PCB knew that there would be further question marks on Amir’s selection.

The board has therefore asked all players in the national camp to sign documents stating that they have no problem in playing with Amir if he is selected.

“The PCB is making a mess of the issue by forcing players to sign documents that they will have no problem in playing with Amir,” a player of the national team told The Express Tribune. “This is disrespectful to the players who have played their cricket with dignity and with honour. If there is a question mark then it’s on Amir’s part, not ours.”

The player added that Amir is being given special treatment. “This whole episode is turning into a shameful debacle as the board is doing its best to prevent players from saying anything against Amir,” he added.

The player added that this may lead to further problems while it may also result in demotivating and alienating the current players. “The message that is being sent through this is that if any player is guaranteed a place then it is Amir, while the fates of others are uncertain,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 29^th, 2015.

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