Mohammad Amir named in Pakistan's World T20 squad

10 February 2016 12:23

Mohammad Amir is set for his first global tournament with Pakistan after his return from a spot-fixing ban, with the paceman named in the squad for the World Twenty20.

Amir, with 21 Twenty20 internationals to his name, served a five-year ban from cricket for his role in a conspiracy to bowl no-balls to order during Pakistan's Test series in England in 2010, and also served a prison sentence.

The left-armer returned to Pakistan colours in a January T20 series against New Zealand - amid consternation among some compatriots - and is now part of a 15-man squad that will head to India in March.

The squad will first play in the inaugural T20 Asia Cup starting later this month in Bangladesh, before aiming to land their second World T20 title.

Veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi will captain Pakistan, who won their first World T20 in 2009 in England, while the squad includes four uncapped players in Khurram Manzoor, Babar Azam, Rumman Rais and Mohammad Nawaz.

Chief selector Haroon Rashid said on www.pcb.com.pk: "While picking the squad, the team management and skipper were consulted by the selectors, and all concerned gave their consent in this regard.

"The T20 team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions during the Asia Cup and World T20 and the recent performances of some players in domestic and A Team tours.

"The team is a fine blend of experience and youth and the selectors believe that team will do well in both tournaments."

All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, also in the squad, had expressed reservations about playing alongside Amir but in a Twitter Q&A with his fans on Tuesday, Hafeez appeared to have softened his stance somewhat.

When asked by a user if he would be happy with Amir's inclusion in the squad, Hafeez wrote: "My principle stance wil remain the same alwayssetting Bad examples wil never help Pakistan to get the glory.

"But I m not the decision or policy makerI wil support all players who is in the Pakistan team."

Source: PA