Amir on brink of Pakistan comeback after being included in PCB camp
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LAHORE: Mohammad Amir's bid to make a comeback to the national side was given a major boost after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) inducted the fast bowler in a fitness training camp for 26 players which also includes T20 captain Shahid Afridi.
The 26 players, picked by the selection committee and approved by Shaharyar Khan, are likely to form the core of Pakistan's squad for next year's World Twenty20 and the latest development suggests Amir could well be part of that group.
Also read: Broad not ‘bothered’ about facing off against tainted Amir
“The main objective of the camp is to improve the overall physical fitness of all players and to enhance the technical aspect of each player’s game and to prepare them for the upcoming international events,” the PCB said in a statement.
“Shaharyar Khan, Chairman PCB has approved the names of 26 players picked up by the PCB National Selection Committee for the fitness camp.”
Amir's inclusion in the training camp is likely to fast-track his move up to the national side after Pakistan's bowling stocks were clearly found wanting in the recent ODI and T20 series against England.
And the 23-year-old vowed to put in the hard yards if selected for Pakistan.
“Will try my best to give 100% to my country,” he tweeted after being included in the training camp.
Amir was also on the brink of selection in the Pakistan 'A' side earlier this month but strong opposition from some of the current players put his return in national colours after the 2010 spot-fixing scandal on the back burner.
The left-armer already has the backing of coach Waqar Younis, who said Amir deserved a second chance.
Waqar had a detailed discussion on Amir's future with PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan earlier in the month, and said “we are all on the same page” about the young fast bowler's future in international cricket.
“He (Amir) has served his punishment and he deserves to come back in the (cricketing) community and enhance his profession,” Waqar said.
Players selected for the training camp
Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sharjeel Khan, Azhar Ali, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Bilal Asif, Sohaib Maqsood, Amir Yamin, Wahab Riaz, Anwar Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Umar Gul, Rahat Ali, Junaid Khan, Ruman Raees, Imad Wasim, Yasir Shah, Saad Nasim, Mohammad Amir
Top pick: Amir slices through Afridi's defences
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (89) Closed
Dec 18, 2015 05:58pm
Great news.
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Dec 18, 2015 05:59pm
I honestly dont understand the problem with Sheharyar khan!! It was only earlier this month when he commented that Aamir is not yet ready for Pakistan return and now all of a sudden he is inducted into the training camp. This is extremely confusing and very contradictory and also very frustrating for the followers of Pakistan Cricket.
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Dec 18, 2015 06:04pm
Considering the overall political and social values and state of affairs Aamir fits in very well. He is an ex convict basically money related and is uneducated without any integrity. I am sure PM and all CMs and Governors will welcome an addition.
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Dec 18, 2015 06:06pm
The big time is coming...there will be many climaxes before he is let in...what ever the other player say against it will not matter because their performance itself is below average...May be Amir alone will become a game changer...He must get a chance...
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Dec 18, 2015 06:09pm
Haris Sohail didn't make the list, and tha t means he is still injured. Hope to see him back in the team soon. I would've also liked to see Sami Aslam's name in the list as well.
Ali Khan
Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
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Dec 18, 2015 06:10pm
Show magnanimity and welcome him with an open heart. We cannot continue to live in past. Lets look for the future. It would be bright for Aamir and Pakistan.
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Dec 18, 2015 06:13pm
That is such good news
inshaAllah !!!!
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Dec 18, 2015 06:14pm
@Pakistan if literate Shane Warne can make a comeback after serving his sentence, why not illiterate Aamir?
On side note: Best of luck Kid.. Stay away from any mess!
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Dec 18, 2015 06:20pm
He deserves a comeback.. The others dont.
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Dec 18, 2015 06:25pm
why no zafar gohar?
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Dec 18, 2015 06:30pm
The anti Pakistani lobby had trapped our talent, in taking money- as the new comers are often hand to mouth-, we should not side with them and stop Amir into coming into Pakistan side
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Dec 18, 2015 06:32pm
Aamir definitely deserves a second chance.
By the way, in 26 member squad, Imran Khan's name does not appear, which is a very strange thing. After Umar Gul, Imran Khan is the best fast bowler Pakistan has got lately...still he is missing...so sad!!!
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Dec 18, 2015 06:39pm
Aamir has proven beyond doubt that he still has the same bite in his bowling as he had just before being framed.
Get him in the side regardless of what professor or principal (Hafeez & Ramiz) have to say - he has served the punishment for his deeds and it's not fair to ignore his talent and keep him out. Aamir can certainly uplift the current toothless bowling attack and give much needed confidence to likes of Wahab, Junaid, Irfan, Imran and Rahat to perform better.
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Dec 18, 2015 06:40pm
@Pakistan whatecer damage he has done, doesnt affected the life of you and me as such, logically we pakistanies have imposed it on our heads that he affected the reputation of pakistan well seriously in real no one outside care about our reputation destroyed by amir, and do not compare it with politicians. because what they have done is something which affected our house hold, what our politician do creates a chain of events and the after affects are that we are getting mentally and physically ill of the constant depression due to uncertainties in life, kabhi school ki fee kam kabhi khul kay grocerries nahi la sakta etc etc .let the kid play and win matches thats should be the goal
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Dec 18, 2015 06:40pm
Chairman PCB needs a refresher course in decision making and management techniques. Majority of problem faced by Pakistan Cricket Team originates from nonprofessional attitude of Board, be it selection of players or managing issues like spot fixing they are always found to be lacking or dragging their feet on something like series with India. Pakistan Cricket team can never perform to its potential unless cricket management changes its mediocre attitude.
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Dec 18, 2015 06:44pm
@Saad To keep things unclear is the hallmark of a successful bureaucrat, but alongside they are consistently on way to bring Aamir back to team, good for Pakistan cricket
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Dec 18, 2015 06:45pm
I just like to ignore all criticism against the inclusion of Mohammad Amir in the Pakistan team including of Rameez Raja. Amir must be dying to get a chance to prove that he is now a better man and learnt a great deal of his mistake (blunder) for which he has already served his punishment. Thousands of politicians in Pakistan have been downgrading the reputation of the country again and again and many of them are still on top slots in Pakistan. If Rameez is so sensitive he should first raise his objections to those corrupt politicians and demand their resignations before he object Amir to be included in the team.
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Dec 18, 2015 06:49pm
welcome back amir..rise and shine...hail Amir..
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Dec 18, 2015 06:49pm
@Saad It may very well be confusing and frustrating for you. But not for us. Majority want Amir back in national team. Those who are confused and frustrated must take a leave of absence.
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Dec 18, 2015 06:56pm
@Saad Dear Saad, it is called old age my friend. It is unfortunate that we have abundance of these people in various important appointments, including Federal, State and Local Government of Pakistan. They simply don't want to retire gracefully and pretend they are making improvements to the system.
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Dec 18, 2015 07:09pm
The one weak in grey, gets the dock. Otherwise, there are many offenders of law in the team and nobody cares any offence committed within the country.
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Dec 18, 2015 07:10pm
Fantastic news...bye Hafeez..
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Dec 18, 2015 07:11pm
amir Khan deserves a 2nd Chance. He should be included in Pakistan T20 Squad. Leave Hafeez out if he has a ethics problem.
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Dec 18, 2015 07:23pm
Come on guys, he was the first one to put his hands up and admit and cooperated with the authorities. He has also served his punishment, what else do we want from him. Lets forget the past and give him another chance. He has learnt his lesson and I dont think he will ever repeat the same mistake. welcome back amir, wish you all the best young man. :-)
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Dec 18, 2015 07:27pm
Players to watch M amir, M irfan, Yasir shah, Imad wasim.
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Dec 18, 2015 07:31pm
Gr8... But look at Ramez Raja serving Indian purpose .. In Pakistan you were trying all punishment on Amir tells me hez not from a high level family otherwise ... It should have taken minutes
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Dec 18, 2015 07:34pm
If they select those 15 players then they have vary good change to proceed.
1 Mohammad Hafeez
2 Ahmed Shehzad
3 Shoaib Malik
4 Babar Azam
5 Sohaib Maqsood
6 Umar Akmal
7 Shahid Afridi
8 Sarfraz Ahmed
9 Imad Wasim
10 Mohammad Irfan
11 Mohammad Amir
12 Umar Gul
13 Bilal Asif
14 Amir Yamin
15 Anwar Ali
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Dec 18, 2015 07:36pm
A very welcoming decision from Shaharyar, he is young man who deserves a another. Irony lies with the people who condemn Amir's inclusion in Pakistan, these are the very same nepotistic people who elected the current and previous government of Pakistan.
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Dec 18, 2015 07:41pm
Really looking forward to see amir vs williamson
Regards
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Dec 18, 2015 07:49pm
Finally common sense prevails.
Plus Pakistan's fast bowling greatly needs a boost.
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Dec 18, 2015 07:55pm
It is unfortunate that people refuse to appreciate the fact that Amir, a raw juvenile head and on his foremost exposure to the intricacies, acted as his captain directed. It was beyond his mental facilities at hand to understand what difference it would make if he bowls a No-ball under direction, or otherwise which is very normal part of the game. Now, he has learnt his lesson the hardest way, is no more a juvenile and undergone his punishment coupled with mental reorientation. He is now reformed young man and should not be stopped from his honest contribution to make his country proud with his good deeds and performance.
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Dec 18, 2015 07:55pm
I believe PCB must undertake responsibility of educating and grooming the players, specifically the ones with poor educational records. Offering them great contracts is not sufficient.
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Dec 18, 2015 08:04pm
my t20 team of wc in 2016:-
1-shehzad/sarjeel, 2-hafeez/sarjeel, 3-umar akmal, 4-malik, 5-afridi, 6-sarfraz(wk), 7-kamran akmal/rizwan, 8-imad wasim, 9-amir, 10-umar gul, 11-tanvir/anwar ali.
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Dec 18, 2015 08:05pm
Let us appeal to Sir Ramiz to be bit lenient to Amir
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Dec 18, 2015 08:05pm
my t20 team of wc in 2016:-
1-shehzad/sarjeel, 2-hafeez/sarjeel, 3-umar akmal, 4-malik, 5-afridi, 6-sarfraz(wk), 7-kamran akmal/rizwan, 8-imad wasim, 9-amir, 10-umar gul, 11-tanvir/anwar ali.
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Dec 18, 2015 08:08pm
I wonder how the world would react if amir bowls a noball in a t20 knockout match specially if its against india. If waqar and co think amir is the key to Pakistan's problems then he should think about other scenarios too!
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Dec 18, 2015 08:20pm
@Saad Gadit I totally agree with you. People making such negative comments about Amir's return are themselves 'Parhai Likhay Jaahils.' Heck with them, who cares! All we know he committed a mistake, he apologized to the entire nation, and even served his sentence. We should welcome him with open arms.
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Dec 18, 2015 08:24pm
Now mohammad hafeez and rameez raja ...stay home ... not attend the camp...
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Dec 18, 2015 08:32pm
It is so disheartening to see my country of birth keeps making lower lows in backwards thinking, radical religious beliefs, intolerance, narrow thinking, inability to accept responsibility... I could go on. Don't think this is just criticism for criticisms sake. It is introspection, for unless we recognize the issues that are damaging the country, how can we start to fix them? The military can only do so much. There needs to be a long term plan towards enlightened education of the masses to rid ourselves of all the junk ideology and thinking that has infiltrated into the society, especially during and after the Zia era.
That all said, have a heart, show kindness, forgiveness and hope. Look at the better side of humans and give them a chance to remake their lives. Amir was just a baby when he made the mistake. He owned up to it, accepted responsibility, paid the price and heis ready for a fresh start. God is merciful and forgiving. Who are we to be otherwise?
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Dec 18, 2015 08:50pm
It is good to bring back amir as he is capable to give 100 per cent to country good luck amir
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Dec 18, 2015 08:53pm
@atif khan I care two hoots how and what others feel. It is my feeling that a convicted man representing my country is not acceptable to me. If you want him ; it doesn't bother me nor do I care. By the way does he relate to your past? Just asking.
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Dec 18, 2015 08:56pm
Current bowling is so weak, that both Amir & Asif need to be selected.
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Dec 18, 2015 09:15pm
it would be great to see Afridi come up higher in the batting order - when we won the world cup he was coming in at 3
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Dec 18, 2015 09:24pm
Hopefully he learnt his lesson. Allow him to come back.
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Dec 18, 2015 09:24pm
Great news, can't wait for Amir to play!!!!
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Dec 18, 2015 09:24pm
@all who appose aamir's inclusion....... i don't understand why no. of Pakistani people oppose his inclusion. i understand people are hurt but come on .. don't your kids make mistakes. don't you forgive then.. he was only 17yrs old. lets not forget he was the one who admitted his involvement and served his punishment. cricket is his bread and butter. let him earn it and let him play for Pakistan and make country proud. all of us knw he his hungry from past 5 yrs and he wants to prove his worth. for god sake welcome him with open heart.... i am an indian but a lover of pakiatan cricket. i want to see him won games for the nation
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Dec 18, 2015 09:33pm
@atif khan I totally agree. Its not matter of winning a world-cup or few series. Its setting the president for all other cricket players and other professionals in all areas to come. No matter how good and valuable you are in one particular field, the reputation of the nation is way above winning a game. Beside there is no shortage of talent in Pakistan we just need to give opportunity to right talent.
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Dec 18, 2015 09:43pm
@Masood Husssain Mr Raja is free to have an opinion...but who cares??
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Dec 18, 2015 09:44pm
Finally, wisdom seems to have prevailed. Lets hope they won't make another twist under pressure from people like Raja. All concerned needs to be positive particularly the cricket commentators in their during and post-match commentaries whenever Amir finally enters the cricket fields. Amir too should be ready to exhibit exemplary patience, as anti-Pakistan media won't stop making negative comments. His best answer to his critics would be by his performance 0nly for which he is immensely talented by the grace of Almighty. One more thing, do celebrate when you take a wicket but gracefully not the way you did during BPL. Our prayers and good wishes are with you.
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Dec 18, 2015 09:52pm
@Saad You were not frustrated when Pakistan was losing ODI and T20 due to lack of fast bowlers,suddenly seeing Amir back is sending shivers in your body.If you betting on Pakistan losing ODI and T20,then it is bad news for you indeed.Great news for Pakistan team.With two match winners Amir and Imaad Wasim in line up ,it can reverse the fortune in ODI and T20.
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Dec 18, 2015 09:52pm
Mr Pakistan. No education does not make a person ethical or honest. If this is the case, then all educated people would be angel. Secondly, Amir already serves his punishment. Now, if he deserves he should play. Full Stop. I give you an example, if a student is caught due to cheating. He is awarded Fail grade or 1 year abstain, but never not to be exclude to not sit in exam for the rest of his life. Hope you understand Mr. Pakistan@Pakistan
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Dec 18, 2015 09:54pm
what is hafiz going to do now?
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Dec 18, 2015 09:55pm
One of the natural born prodigy of Pace bowling in modern day cricket destined to do well in all format.Others learn to bowl while he is gifted with natural pace bowling talent.Best news of the day!
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Dec 18, 2015 09:57pm
@Salman Imran Khan is surely talented no doubt,I am talking about Imran Khan who figures in regular Test team not the guy who has been appearing as Imran Khan jr.
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Dec 18, 2015 09:57pm
Good to see that everybody is supporting participation in T20 WC
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Dec 18, 2015 09:57pm
Why does the selection by the PCB appointed Selection Committee has to be approved by the person of Shehryar Khan. It seems odd and will not be norm in any other countey that has functional and transparent systems and bodies.
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Dec 18, 2015 09:57pm
Why not Waseem give you the chance to show your talent as you may not hav egiven any chance yet?
@Waseem
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Dec 18, 2015 10:15pm
Awesome!! He should come back. If he continues to be punished then so should everyone in Pakistan as the whole system is corrupt. He at least got some punsihment - others walk and talk freely and make judgements on poor Aamir. By the way, how many of us made sound judgments when we were 19?
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Dec 18, 2015 10:47pm
Our selectors think Asad Shafiq is a better ODI and T20 player than Fawad Alam.
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Dec 18, 2015 10:55pm
Pak needs Amir and Asif, the most lethal fast bowling duo in the world, in order to be on top of the world again. The trio has learned their lesson as the punishment was very severe (losing prime 5 years of their life). I don't think they will ever dare think of doing any wrong doing again. In fact they will deter many from going down the same fate.
For people who have problem with their inclusion, I have a simple message "watch another sport".
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Dec 18, 2015 11:08pm
Like this list of names. Wish Saeed Ajmal and Hafeez could bowl :(
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Dec 18, 2015 11:26pm
Excellent news for the team and a wise decision by the PCB.
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Dec 18, 2015 11:29pm
Out of that 26, I see the following worth pursuing (wished Haris made it):
Shoaib Malik
Babar Azam
Umar Akmal
Shahid Afridi
Sarfraz Ahmed
Mohammad Rizwan
Sohaib Maqsood
Wahab Riaz
Anwar Ali
Mohammad Irfan
Junaid Khan
Imad Wasim
Yasir Shah
Saad Nasim
Mohammad Amir
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Dec 18, 2015 11:32pm
Finally!! been waiting for his comeback for years. For those of you who criticize him please go look at your own past. Have you really never made a mistake before?
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Dec 18, 2015 11:48pm
For God sake and for the sake of country, please simply include him. With a class and natural talent and the performance he has shown, he does not need to go for training session. He is a must inclusion in every type of cricket, and then look for ohter 10 players to fill the places based on merit.
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Dec 18, 2015 11:53pm
Aamir is the future of Pakistan cricket - We welcome his inclusion in national team in all forms of cricket - Common sense prevail - We are hoping that he will be the part of Pakistani team winning this world cup T20, with his significant contribution - as he was part of Pakistani team in previous world cup win in England.
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Dec 19, 2015 12:14am
As expected he made the entry by his performance and fitness. Regardless what people thinks Pakistan team needs him if they really want to make any impact in next year World T20.
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Dec 19, 2015 01:18am
why was Ashar Zaidi not included? Injustice continues.....
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Dec 19, 2015 01:46am
@Saeed Masood He has proved already his game changing capability by confessing his fixing. just imagine how many other times he may have done that to change the outcome of the game.
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Dec 19, 2015 01:47am
@Dadhi Wale Babu what is the difference between him and others. All have committed crime for money without even the dire need for the same and are habitual thieves.
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Dec 19, 2015 01:49am
Well, it's high time for a positive decision like this one as we had already wasted precious time in going down the doomed path of sidelining the youngster for a forgettable incident. Now, the star (that's what he is and will eventually prove to be) has to be handled 'with care' so that no discord exists within the Pakistani camp. All should ensure that the national interest is kept in mind at all times, no matter what!
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Dec 19, 2015 01:50am
@AJ He has confessed beyond doubts too to match fixing-what will you say about that.
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Dec 19, 2015 01:50am
@KHOSHY it's only going to be good for bookies.
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Dec 19, 2015 02:02am
Best of luck Amir.
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Dec 19, 2015 02:19am
Send him across the border of you don't want him. He will make the team while bowling with blindfolded and hopping on one leg.
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Dec 19, 2015 02:20am
All I have to say that if India gets bowlers like Amir, we would win every single World Cup!
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Dec 19, 2015 02:38am
Fantastic news As hafeez does not want to be in the same dressing room please make sure we comply with this request
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Dec 19, 2015 02:41am
Whether you're Tiger Woods, Wasim Akram , or just someone who is down on his luck, anyone can make a comeback in life if he puts his mind to it.
Nobody said it was easy, but if you make a plan to address your past mistakes and to strive toward the life you want, then you'll be on your way to being the person you want to be, against all odds.
Don't ever let anyone who doesn't believe in you get you down, or think it's impossible to succeed from where you're standing.
Best of Luck
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Dec 19, 2015 04:37am
Pakistani cricket authorities must be desperate for talented players if they are considering to bring back a tainted cricketer into the team. He was one of my favourite bowlers and he had the potential to become the best in the world till he was found and proven to be a crook. Perhaps Pakistanis find it easier to excuse corruption considering the rampant nature of this menace in the society. But even at Pakistan's relatively relaxed standards when it comes to corruption, high profile sports stars must be clean with uncopromised integrity.
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Dec 19, 2015 05:03am
So is he the only crook who would be making a come back, or will others also be included?
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Dec 19, 2015 09:06am
@US CENTCOM; Totally agree with you;
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Dec 19, 2015 09:14am
Morally speaking Amir should not be taken again in National squad, but rationally speaking he has completed his punishment and has legal right to be selected on the basis of his performance. Emotionally speaking I support Ramiz Raja but legally Shahryar khan.
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Dec 19, 2015 09:38am
I think discussion of Amir should be included or not in Pak team should be closed now.Majority of fans and PCB too want to give him another chance. World cricket governing body ICC has also gave him permission to play again.And most importantly after serving his ban he is performing like a champion. At present PCB has no fast bowler better than Amir. So from every angle he should be included for WC T20 squad, I can bet, all of a sudden he will become the most attractive fast bowler of the world.
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Dec 19, 2015 11:24am
@from Twincity In place of Umer Akmal Rizwan is good as fielder too, in place of hafeez Amin is better option for future prospect
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Dec 19, 2015 03:25pm
Where is Sami aslam and F Alam???
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Dec 19, 2015 03:37pm
excellent decision, Amir is undoubtely the best bowler Pak has right now. They need to add Nauman Anwar, M Nawaz, Kamran Ghulam, Sadaf Hussain to the list and get rid of Hafeez, Anwar Ali Azhar Ali
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Dec 19, 2015 06:29pm
Why Ashar Zaidi is still out of the spectacles? He did well in BPL.
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Dec 19, 2015 06:34pm
@Pakistan Does not matter if he can play good cricket now
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Dec 20, 2015 12:54pm
People bashing Hafeez for speaking his heart out and talking about country's pride is exactly what's wrong with our society. If some one shows his concern over a tainted player, he should be bashed and kicked out of the team???? So apparently corrupt has a place in the team but not ones who don't wanna play along side them. I have nothing against Amir and as he has served his punishment and is doing well in domestic circuit, he does deserve his chance of making a comeback. But what about other individuals who have been doing well domestically during Amir's absence and why have they not been a priority? What has Sadaf Hussain done to deserve such a cold shoulder from the selectors. For anyone who haven't heard about him, please see his stats. This guy has deserved a chance for past 3 to 4 years now but still he is no where to be heard off. Infact, he is not even in the PSL List of players. So 1 player is selected for domestic performances but another is not even in the frame....Nice !!
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