The child has grown, the dream is on

Amir included in ODI, T20I squads for New Zealand tour

Left-arm fast-bowler Muhammad Amir has been included in the T20I and ODI team for the tour of New Zealand, which will start from January 15.

The 23-year old is included in the 16-member squad after impressing in domestic competitions since returning from a five-year ban due to his part in the spot-fixing scandal of 2010.

However, Amir’s inclusion is subject to visa clearance from New Zealand authorities, with problems expected to arise due to the three months he spent in prison in England.



Another noticeable inclusion in the team was that of 20-year old left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar, who was included in the team after leg-spinner Yasir Shah tested positive in a random dope sampling test taken on November 13, 2015, resulting in the International Cricket Council (ICC) provisionally suspending the leg-spinner.

Amir continues to divide opinion

Pakistan’s head coach Waqar Younis had expressed excitement over Amir’s return. Waqar, himself a legendary fast-bowler, said Amir had plenty to offer.

“I am very excited over his comeback,” Waqar told AFP. “Amir is on the right path and has worked really hard in the fitness camp. I believe this kid has plenty to offer to Pakistan cricket.”



However, the 44-year-old felt Amir requires patience. “It may take Amir some time to attain the same zip he had [back] in 2010,” he warned. “We need to support him so that he can get back to his best.”

Amir has also received support from other quarters. “I don’t understand why there is a big deal being made out of Amir’s comeback.

"He has served his punishment; the ICC has cleared him too,” said former Pakistan skipper Mohammad Yousuf.

“He’s a valuable asset for Pakistan cricket and we have seen his utility in recent stints.”

However, there are those who feel the Pakistan Cricket Board should have taken a firmer stance on Amir.

“We may have lost a golden opportunity to eradicate the malaise of fixing by bringing back the trio,” wrote former Pakistan chief selector Mohsin Khan in his column for The Express Tribune.

“We failed to send a strong message and I fear that the ugly episode might be repeated some years down the line since we have perhaps conveyed that corruption can be tolerated in our system.”

T20I team for the tour of New Zealand:

Shahid Afridi (captain), Shoaib Malik, Ahmad Shahzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Akmal, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Amir Yamin, Sarfraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Muhammad Rizwan, Saad Nasim, Muhammad Amir

ODI team for the tour of New Zealand:

Azhar Ali (captain), Ahmad Shahzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sohaib Maqsood, Zafar Gohar, Imad Wasim, Sarfraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Muhammad Irfan, Anwar Ali, Rahat Ali, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Amir