The crisis that erupted in Pakistan cricket following the refusal of senior players Muhammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali to attend the national conditioning camp appeared to have been resolved on Saturday.
Hafeez and Ali had refused to join the camp in lahore on Thursday, protesting against the presence of tainted left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir.
Following 48 hours of suspense, the two players met with the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shaharyar Khan on Saturday in lahore after which the latter announced the two had agreed to join the camp.
“I listened to them patiently and I also understand some of their reservations. But some of their views are not justifiable. I told them they have to follow policy of the board in the case of Aamir,” Khan.
“They understand our position now and I am sure they will join the camp.”
later, Hafeez said: “I understand there is a policy of the board and we have to follow it. But that does not change my view that anyone who has tarnished the image of Pakistan should not be allowed to play for the country again.”
Pak’s new pace attack
Karachi: Pakistan could have a new look pace attack when it tours New Zealand in January to play a series of one-day and T20 matches. Reportedly, left-arm pacers Muhammad Aamir, Junaid Khan and Umar Gul could be in the line-up.
“Another uncapped southpaw pacer Rumman Raees is also in serious consideration but he unfortunately has fallen ill and could not attend the fitness tests held so far,” one source told.
He said that the selectors were impressed with both Junaid Khan and Rumman’s bowling.