Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir will not be returning to the national team for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Amir retired from international cricket in 2020 in protest over his treatment by the then-management, led by Misbah ul Haq. Although, after Najam Sethi took charge of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he stated that Amir would be considered for selection like any other player if he takes his retirement back.
Recently, an important member of Pakistan’s selection committee had reportedly contacted Amir’s manager, asking him to prepare for an international comeback. However, top officials of PCB have denied these reports, stating that there is no immediate possibility of Amir returning to the Pakistan team.
According to the board officials, the Pakistan team is not facing any shortage of pacers, with Ihsanullah and Zaman Khan recently proving their mettle in the Afghanistan series. The selection committee is not considering Amir as he is still officially retired. He will first have to take back his retirement and prove his form and fitness to be eligible for the Pakistan team.
The Pakistan selection panel has concluded their initial deliberations on the squad for the New Zealand series. The selectors will announce the final squad after consulting with Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who will soon be returning from Saudi Arabia after performing Umrah.
As the 2023 World Cup is only a few months away, there are unlikely to be any surprises in the ODI squad. The selectors will be focusing on building a team with a good mix of experienced and young players who can perform well under pressure.
Mohammad Amir will not be making a return to the Pakistan team for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. The PCB officials have stated that they have enough pacers and are not considering Amir until he proves his form and fitness by taking back his retirement. The focus for the selectors will be on building a strong team for the 2023 World Cup.
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