Mohammad Amir joins the Pakistan squad in Derby after clearing ECB-organized COVID tests [Post#147]

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hearing that there is a possibility that Mohammad Amir might be joining the Pakistan squad in England <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1284946040416800768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Original PCB release:

Fast bowlers Hasan Ali and Mohammad Amir, and middle-order batsman Haris were not available for selection. Hasan is suffering from a back injury, Amir withdrew so that he can be at the birth of his second child in August while Haris took the option of pulling out of the tour due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But he didn't have to wait till August.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">Alhumdulillah finally ALLAH ki rehmat zoya amir &#55358;&#56688;&#55358;&#56688;&#55358;&#56688;&#55358;&#56688;&#55358;&#56688;&#55358;&#56688; <a href="https://t.co/jsqT3xt2qn">pic.twitter.com/jsqT3xt2qn</a></p>— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamamirofficial/status/1283801948140036097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to some reports, it's because of Haris Rauf returning another positive COVID-19 result.

 

[Saj]

Some discussions going on behind the scenes.

This could happen!

 

[Kroll]

Hope not! Sell out can stay where he is.

 

[Forum363]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hearing that there is a possibility that Mohammad Amir might be joining the Pakistan squad in England <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1284946040416800768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Original PCB release:

Fast bowlers Hasan Ali and Mohammad Amir, and middle-order batsman Haris were not available for selection. Hasan is suffering from a back injury, Amir withdrew so that he can be at the birth of his second child in August while Haris took the option of pulling out of the tour due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But he didn't have to wait till August.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">Alhumdulillah finally ALLAH ki rehmat zoya amir ������������ <a href="https://t.co/jsqT3xt2qn">pic.twitter.com/jsqT3xt2qn</a></p>— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamamirofficial/status/1283801948140036097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to some reports, it's because of Haris Rauf returning another positive COVID-19 result.

Can you imagine. With Rizwan and Shadab appearing to be in very good form based on the warm up games, could we possibly slot Amir in at 8.

Because that would be a mouth watering pace attack. And just as strong a batting lineup as if we crammed Iftikhar or Alam in at 6.

Abid
Shan
Azhar
Babar
Shafiq
Rizwan
Shadab
Amir
Shaheen
Abbas
Naseem

 

[Forum363]

Some discussions going on behind the scenes.

This could happen!

Any indication whether this could include the test matches? Or is this purely for T20s.

I know Amir is retired technically but just like Wahab is available for Tests, I see no reason why Amir can’t play.

 

[Majid Khan]

Amir and Wahab to open the bowling , and get a Shoaib Malik and Hafeez to agree to come back and add experience to the top order and middle order - Misbah might as well come in and captain the team himself.

Only Rizwan appears to have spoiled the plan by scoring two 50s in current tour game or else Pakistan team could benefit from Sarfraz’s experience also as I’m sure Misbah would have preferred.

 

[shamaan]

Hope not! Sell out can stay where he is.

Agreed I rather loose all three games than play amir

 

[Hasan123]

I understand why he chose not to tour. What I don't like is he was dropped a few months ago. He was clearly unhappy with that decision. PCB has not been happy with Amir for a while , now they are going to recall him. It doesn't make the PCB look good.

Had enough of Amir victim mentality. He was dropped for a reason and he tried to play a victim. He should understand that in sports, players can be dropped.

I would rather move away from him completely as PCB have treated him well since he came back and he has not shown the same respect for all the backing he has received.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mohammad Amir told PCB he was available for the tour of England after his daughter was born early.<br>Haris Rauf who was selected has failed several Covid-19 tests.<br>PCB have told Amir to stay ready for the tour.<br>Amir still has to have his Covid-19 tests.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1284955373947019264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[shamaan]

Can you imagine. With Rizwan and Shadab appearing to be in very good form based on the warm up games, could we possibly slot Amir in at 8.

Because that would be a mouth watering pace attack. And just as strong a batting lineup as if we crammed Iftikhar or Alam in at 6.

Abid
Shan
Azhar
Babar
Shafiq
Rizwan
Shadab
Amir
Shaheen
Abbas
Naseem

I dont think he will play in tests may play in t20s

 

[Saj]

Any indication whether this could include the test matches? Or is this purely for T20s.

I know Amir is retired technically but just like Wahab is available for Tests, I see no reason why Amir can’t play.

As yet no confirmation of which format(s) he has made himself available for.

 

[Rana]

RIP burns and Sibley up front.

 

[trickyone]

Amir and Wahab to open the bowling , and get a Shoaib Malik and Hafeez to agree to come back and add experience to the top order and middle order - Misbah might as well come in and captain the team himself.

Only Rizwan appears to have spoiled the plan by scoring two 50s in current tour game or else Pakistan team could benefit from Sarfraz’s experience also as I’m sure Misbah would have preferred.

POTW material, you made my day today lol

 

[Markhor]

There are some fans who seem to cry no matter what Mohammed Amir does.

The fact is Misbah and Waqar had no right to act like jilted lovers by Amir's retirement from Test cricket when he gave PCB ample notice.

If Amir is available for the tour and can do a job, especially if Rauf is still COVID-19 positive, our bowling attack is better for it. He was our best bowler at the 2019 World Cup and seems to enjoy English conditions.

 

[Rana]

So it’s likely he will play, are we all upset about this all of a sudden

 

[MMHS]

If Amir indeed plays Test, there could be a possibility of PAK playing four pacers and no specialist spinner; unless the wicket is spin friendly. Abbas can play the container’s role while other theee to attack. In any case, I think both Amir and Wahab can match all-rounder Faheem Ashraf with bat.

 

[Junaids]

6 Rizwan
7 Shadab
8 Amir
9 Abbas
10 Shaheen
11 Naseem

WOW!

 

[Junaids]

Can you imagine. With Rizwan and Shadab appearing to be in very good form based on the warm up games, could we possibly slot Amir in at 8.

Because that would be a mouth watering pace attack. And just as strong a batting lineup as if we crammed Iftikhar or Alam in at 6.

Abid
Shan
Azhar
Babar
Shafiq
Rizwan
Shadab
Amir
Shaheen
Abbas
Naseem

That's a clearly superior team to anything that England can put out. Azhar Ali is the only weak link.

 

[Junaids]

Can you imagine. With Rizwan and Shadab appearing to be in very good form based on the warm up games, could we possibly slot Amir in at 8.

Because that would be a mouth watering pace attack. And just as strong a batting lineup as if we crammed Iftikhar or Alam in at 6.

Abid
Shan
Azhar
Babar
Shafiq
Rizwan
Shadab
Amir
Shaheen
Abbas
Naseem

Let's hope that Shadab is preferred to Yasir - they need the extra batting.

 

[coy0607]

Not to be a downer to all the optimism in the thread, but I doubt Amir can make it for the tests - at least the first couple. He needs to get a visa, quarantine for a number of days and pass a few COVID tests before travelling, and even when he gets to England he will be without any cricket in 5+ months. Who knows what his conditioning is, let alone form and match practice.

Also, the lineup with Shadab at 6 and four fast bowlers is a very weak batting attack; considering the openers are unproven and Azhar and Asad are liabilities. That team would struggle to pass 220. Given the batting form in the warm-up games, I can't see Misbah going without 7 batsmen

I'm all for playing Amir in the T20's though after he's had a chance to get rid of the rust with a few weeks of net sessions

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Not to be a downer to all the optimism in the thread, but I doubt Amir can make it for the tests - at least the first couple. He needs to get a visa, quarantine for a number of days and pass a few COVID tests before travelling, and even when he gets to England he will be without any cricket in 5+ months. Who knows what his conditioning is, let alone form and match practice.

Also, the lineup with Shadab at 6 and four fast bowlers is a very weak batting attack; considering the openers are unproven and Azhar and Asad are liabilities. That team would struggle to pass 220. Given the batting form in the warm-up games, I can't see Misbah going without 7 batsmen

I'm all for playing Amir in the T20's though after he's had a chance to get rid of the rust with a few weeks of net sessions

Visa — Amir has UK residency. Quarantine — enough days remaining.

Bigger issue is that he is probably only making himself available for LOI. Would love to see him in tests like everyone else here but he probably won’t want to play.

 

[Suleiman]

I don’t judge him, don’t know what’s going on in his head or if this is 100% confirmed, but these sort of rash retirements and then “comebacks” makes him and Pakistan cricket look very unprofessional. Not much different to the circus show Afridi created by retiring/threatening to retire and making PCB look like a laughing stock in terms of professionalism.

 

[Junaids]

I don’t judge him, don’t know what’s going on in his head or if this is 100% confirmed, but these sort of rash retirements and then “comebacks” makes him and Pakistan cricket look very unprofessional. Not much different to the circus show Afridi created by retiring/threatening to retire and making PCB look like a laughing stock in terms of professionalism.

Imran Khan kept doing it - none of us minded!

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Id rather this not happen.

 

[Junaids]

Can we please just rewind here?

My sources - and I believe them, and this comes from two separate people - tell me that:

1. Mickey Arthur met with Mohammad Amir in June 2018 after the tour of England to discuss his progress and his future.

2. Arthur reportedly commented to Amir that he obviously is into the last 5 years of his career, and that he appears to be an invaluable white ball player who is also a vital weapon with the red ball in limited conditions (Dukes ball in England and the West Indies, New Zealand and South African conditions, pink ball Tests).

3. Arthur recommended that Amir seek to maximise his value to the team by only playing white ball cricket and certain Test series in conditions in which he was likely to be effective. In particular, they discussed how ineffective Amir was in the UAE and that he would only shorten his career and reduce his effectiveness by wasting his fitness bowling in such conditions.

4. Amir then agreed to a deal with Inzamam and Arthur under which he would only play white ball internationals and Tests outside Asia, in return for which he agreed not to play things like the Big Bash when he could have been on national duty.

5. When Arthur and Inzamam lost their jobs, it was made clear to Amir that the PCB would not continue to honour this deal. It is presumed that it was already known that Misbah was the incoming Head Coach and Chief Selector even though the process had not yet occurred.

6. Amir then retired from red ball cricket.

So let's be clear: Amir did not desert his country - he agreed to limit his workload (including lucrative T20 contracts) to maximise his value to the national team.

 

[Indiafan]

There are some fans who seem to cry no matter what Mohammed Amir does.

The fact is Misbah and Waqar had no right to act like jilted lovers by Amir's retirement from Test cricket when he gave PCB ample notice.

.

But amir is not like a normal camdidate. PCB spent time and effort to save his carerr after his ban. In desi the term is called- Ehsan pharamosh. Do you guys have short term memory or something? How can you claim board and officials have no right after all they did for him?

 

[Indiafan]

Imran Khan kept doing it - none of us minded!

I thoughr amir was too short to be effective in the long run? Or does all your theories only apply to those players you dislike personally?

 

[Suleiman]

Imran Khan kept doing it - none of us minded!

Imran earned it in some sense for his years of service to the sport and his country. This guy is no where near in achievements.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

So a guy has offered to play again for his country as soon as his kid is born. And *he's* the bad guy?!?

Let's get one thing straight. Amir in Pakistan's test line up makes it stronger.

It also gives Pakistan very good bench strength as the quicks will need to be rotated given how closely all three tests are scheduled.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

That's a clearly superior team to anything that England can put out. Azhar Ali is the only weak link.

Don’t see Yasir sitting out a test at all - as long as Misbah is alive. Doubt also Amir will play tests. If anything, Misbah may go with Shadab and Yasir to extend the tail and in the mistaken belief England can’t play spin.

 

[MMHS]

Imran Khan kept doing it - none of us minded!

I think, you are a little misinformed in this regard.

Imran Khan officially announced in 1986 that he wants to win Test series in India, UK and would retire after the WC of 1987, preferably winning it. And, he did exactly that, without winning the WC. Then, it was President of PAK (& COAS) personally requested him to make a come back which he agreed, but on his own terms - he’ll play selectively. I think every PAK fans (& non fans as well) were damn happy with that arrangement, let alone getting upset.

Can’t you stop pulling down people like Imran, Wasim, YK ... for the sake of pampering the likes of Amir, Asad...?

 

[MMHS]

Can we please just rewind here?

My sources - and I believe them, and this comes from two separate people - tell me that:

1. Mickey Arthur met with Mohammad Amir in June 2018 after the tour of England to discuss his progress and his future.

2. Arthur reportedly commented to Amir that he obviously is into the last 5 years of his career, and that he appears to be an invaluable white ball player who is also a vital weapon with the red ball in limited conditions (Dukes ball in England and the West Indies, New Zealand and South African conditions, pink ball Tests).

3. Arthur recommended that Amir seek to maximise his value to the team by only playing white ball cricket and certain Test series in conditions in which he was likely to be effective. In particular, they discussed how ineffective Amir was in the UAE and that he would only shorten his career and reduce his effectiveness by wasting his fitness bowling in such conditions.

4. Amir then agreed to a deal with Inzamam and Arthur under which he would only play white ball internationals and Tests outside Asia, in return for which he agreed not to play things like the Big Bash when he could have been on national duty.

5. When Arthur and Inzamam lost their jobs, it was made clear to Amir that the PCB would not continue to honour this deal. It is presumed that it was already known that Misbah was the incoming Head Coach and Chief Selector even though the process had not yet occurred.

6. Amir then retired from red ball cricket.

So let's be clear: Amir did not desert his country - he agreed to limit his workload (including lucrative T20 contracts) to maximise his value to the national team.

If it indeed was agreed upon, then both Arthur & Inzi should have been charged for double standards & nepotism. No one deserves that luxury and it wasn’t required either - if Amir wasn’t suitable for UAE series, then simply selectors won’t pick him or play him selectively.

Regarding the workload part including the likes of Bigbash, both of your sources actually have lied to you - this guy Mo Amir sold his moral for few bucks more when the world was under his feet ..... and despite cracking that arrangements with Head Coach & Chief Selector, kept playing BPL. I am a Bangladeshi, with few relatives working there I n BCB & BPL management team, so you can bank on me regarding the quality, payment & playing terms there.

Amir retired at the worst time for PAK cricket, just before the start of WTC and Australia tour (including one pink ball Test, I must say), leaving PAK pace attack the most inexperienced one in foreign tours since 1950s - not sure how that contributed his value to PCT; but it’s his own decision and if PCT management thinks that he can add value to the team, he can always come back - why not?

Among your six points, I didn’t like the fifth & sixth one - there are good, great players and there are not so good, great players .... Mo Amir might be a better cricketer than Misbah, but I’ll use mouth wash every time if I had to utter both names together. Misbah is the most respected PAK cricketer since Khan and the guy was the best thing that happened to PAK cricket after the mess of 2010 - one of the chief architect of that National shame was this guy Mo Amir, who is extremely lucky to earn his bread from cricket even after that. And, this is from someone advocating for Amir to be PAK captain, so no love lost.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In preparation for the tour of England, Mohammad Amir has had his first Covid-19 test <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1285121589516935168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]

Your argument about Amir playing BPL made no sense.

How many T20 leagues has Amir appeared for while making himself unavailable for national duty?

Or is it only haram for Amir to play T20 leagues while the likes of Shadab, Imad, Wahab etc can play whichever T20 league they like?

I never get this point from PPers. Amir has NEVER left national duty for T20 leagues yet most people here keep repeating it like a parrot.

The guy has iterally told the PCB he's available as soon as his child is born (even though he's not centrally contracted due to pathetic revenge tactics by PCB management) and still he's the villain. Unbelievable. Some of us need to stop acting like we're angels.
People make mistakes. They get punished. Everyone moves on.
Can't dwell on the past forever.
It's been a decade for goodness' sake.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

6 Rizwan
7 Shadab
8 Amir
9 Abbas
10 Shaheen
11 Naseem

WOW!

Mouth-watering prospect. Isn't it?
Misbah won't do it though.
He's as clueless as a deer in headlights

 

[Usman]

6 Rizwan
7 Shadab
8 Amir
9 Abbas
10 Shaheen
11 Naseem

WOW!

Mouth-watering prospect. Isn't it?
Misbah won't do it though.
He's as clueless as a deer in headlights

This would be an awesome bowling line up!!

In recent times however Pakistan have preferred a four man attack - i.e. 3 pacers and a spinner. That worked up until a couple of years ago because Yasir would take so many wickets cheaply. It stopped working once Yasir became rubbish.

The line up selected by Junaids is absolutely perfect. I agree with Hadi though that this is unlikely to happen.

 

[Kashur_Kalkharab]

Talking about merit,if he deserved to be part of limited overs team but was just dropped because our beloved selector got emotional by his decision is absolute pathetic.Being emotional is an absolute stain on professionalism that we keep on glorifying these for.
Amir not making available for test can never be the reason why he should be left out of limited overs side in which he has been our best bowler.
He didn't have much of the impact on our test team thus cleverly stepped aside, but I think he should always try hard to be the player who can also do it in tests.

 

[MMHS]

[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]

Your argument about Amir playing BPL made no sense.

How many T20 leagues has Amir appeared for while making himself unavailable for national duty?

Or is it only haram for Amir to play T20 leagues while the likes of Shadab, Imad, Wahab etc can play whichever T20 league they like?

I never get this point from PPers. Amir has NEVER left national duty for T20 leagues yet most people here keep repeating it like a parrot.

The guy has iterally told the PCB he's available as soon as his child is born (even though he's not centrally contracted due to pathetic revenge tactics by PCB management) and still he's the villain. Unbelievable. Some of us need to stop acting like we're angels.
People make mistakes. They get punished. Everyone moves on.
Can't dwell on the past forever.
It's been a decade for goodness' sake.

You didn’t get the point because you didn’t try to get it. Why are you thinking that I am criticising him for playing BPL? For that matter playing any T20 league? In fact, why should one bother if a player decides to retire prematurely?

Read the source of that post carefully - it’s suggesting that Mo Amir cracked a deal with Micky Arthur that Mian Arthur (& his buddy CS Ul Haq), will protect Amir’s body by playing him selectively while Mian Amir will pay it back from his blood, yanike by not playing staffs like Big bash .... it’s the change in PCT’s policy (& support stuffs) that has almost forced Amir to retire - which is utter nonsense. For the sake of saying, that deal was cracked in 2018 - after that the guy played in BPL 2019, in English T20 league, probably CPL as well and had BigBash picked foreigners at dozen rate, he would have been first in the air, not to mention thathe would have been first man to leave Pakistan towards east had PAK players been hired for IPL ..... after all these, finally left PAK Test team a month before the Australian tour; may be because of PCB (read Misbah) not extending Arthur’s contract.

Regarding Amir’s crime and punishment (& rehabilitation), I have written here more than what most posters entire PP dossier summed up - please be assured that I am not doing any injustice here. In fact, I actually didn’t criticise Amir here rather tried to escalate the point that Misbah is not responsible for every problem around PAK cricket. Also, the process might be flawed, but Arthur didn’t deserve an extension - the earlier this fact is accepted (instead of unknown source based counter logic), I won’t be writing essays here.

 

[TeymurBlake]

I don't like the idea of Wahab and Amir u-turning there test/first class retirements in order to play white ball cricket for Pakistan and T20 franchises. With that being said, Amir returning into the Intl. fold particularly Test cricket in England is going to be a mouthwatering prospect. Amir and Abbas taking the new ball, with support from Shaheen and Naseem.

Amir's control with the ball in English conditions is gonna make him a right handful for the England batsman. New ball swinging and seaming against the England top order will be a sight to behold. But depends if he returns to Test Cricket.

 

[angrypathan]

When was Amir's last first class game? He doesn't have the fitness for Test cricket.

 

[Abdullah719]

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed fast bowler Mohammad Amir will join the Pakistan men’s national cricket team in England following the birth of his second daughter last week.

Furthermore, and on the request of the team management, the PCB has also agreed to send Mohammad Imran, a masseur at the National High Performance Centre, to England.

As part of the process, both Amir and Imran underwent Covid-19 tests on Monday and require two negative tests to be eligible to travel to the United Kingdom. If their first tests return negative, they will be moved to a bio-secure environment in Lahore where their second tests will be conducted on Wednesday, with the expected departures over the weekend.

As soon as Amir will join the squad, reserve wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir will be released from his duties.

 

[SARJ_BD]

In Tests, Abbas have outclassed Amir in every matches they played together.
Thus I believe Amir has been selected for t20s only

 

[ask_analyse_act]

In Tests, Abbas have outclassed Amir in every matches they played together.
Thus I believe Amir has been selected for t20s only

Amir would still be effective in English conditions... We all know that his workload was not rightly managed... PCB and the management had never managed their pace bowlers well enough...I remember they got Irfan as a lethal weapon in LOIs and an out of ordinary type bowler but they still played him in UAE on dead rubber matches and also played him in tests in UAE and bowled him like 35 overs because it was a 2 pacers 2 spinners attack.. this shortened his career ,where he could barely be effective in Australia for CWC'15...

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Can we please just rewind here?

My sources - and I believe them, and this comes from two separate people - tell me that:

1. Mickey Arthur met with Mohammad Amir in June 2018 after the tour of England to discuss his progress and his future.

2. Arthur reportedly commented to Amir that he obviously is into the last 5 years of his career, and that he appears to be an invaluable white ball player who is also a vital weapon with the red ball in limited conditions (Dukes ball in England and the West Indies, New Zealand and South African conditions, pink ball Tests).

3. Arthur recommended that Amir seek to maximise his value to the team by only playing white ball cricket and certain Test series in conditions in which he was likely to be effective. In particular, they discussed how ineffective Amir was in the UAE and that he would only shorten his career and reduce his effectiveness by wasting his fitness bowling in such conditions.

4. Amir then agreed to a deal with Inzamam and Arthur under which he would only play white ball internationals and Tests outside Asia, in return for which he agreed not to play things like the Big Bash when he could have been on national duty.

5. When Arthur and Inzamam lost their jobs, it was made clear to Amir that the PCB would not continue to honour this deal. It is presumed that it was already known that Misbah was the incoming Head Coach and Chief Selector even though the process had not yet occurred.

6. Amir then retired from red ball cricket.

So let's be clear: Amir did not desert his country - he agreed to limit his workload (including lucrative T20 contracts) to maximise his value to the national team.

Before this is made into accepted history by the sooks, let me emphasize what this poster has said:

My sources - and I believe them

With respect, unless you are a recognized journalist/ cricket/ online /other random authority, your sources are as good as mine. Which is to say zilch. But please correct me if you are some of the above.

So let's be clear: Amir did not desert his country

This conclusion is false because it follows from a poisoned source ("my sources", yeah I have sources too).

 

[adarsh_bang]

Based on this comment by Misbah, it is clear that he's being flown for T20's and not Tests.

Quote -

"Keeping in view white ball cricket, we thought it's good to have an experienced bowler in the squad and he's now available. After consulting with the captain, we thought we should bring Amir here to strengthen our squad.

 

[Junaids]

In Tests, Abbas have outclassed Amir in every matches they played together.

Er, no.

Their last series together was in South Africa.

Amir: 12 wickets at 23.58
Abbas: 5 wickets at 46.28

On Abbas’ subsequent tour outside Asia, he took 0 wickets for 100 runs in Australia.

 

[Titan24]

I am not sure if Amir is available for tests. As per sources will probably be replacing Haris Rauf in the squad who has tested positive 4th time.

 

[Kroll]

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed fast bowler Mohammad Amir will join the Pakistan men’s national cricket team in England following the birth of his second daughter last week.

Furthermore, and on the request of the team management, the PCB has also agreed to send Mohammad Imran, a masseur at the National High Performance Centre, to England.

As part of the process, both Amir and Imran underwent Covid-19 tests on Monday and require two negative tests to be eligible to travel to the United Kingdom. If their first tests return negative, they will be moved to a bio-secure environment in Lahore where their second tests will be conducted on Wednesday, with the expected departures over the weekend.

As soon as Amir will join the squad, reserve wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir will be released from his duties.

What a circus!

I would have been okay with this but unless I'm getting this wrong, the official statement was that Amir was unable to commit to the tour due the impending birth of his child.

Now, if there was any probability that he could have made it then that should have been the official line. But we were led to believe he was out and that was it:

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?294485-Mohammad-Amir-and-Haris-Sohail-withdraw-from-the-England-tour-due-to-personal-reasons

So now the mercenary is to be welcomed back all of a sudden?

 

[Forum363]

What a circus!

I would have been okay with this but unless I'm getting this wrong, the official statement was that Amir was unable to commit to the tour due the impending birth of his child.

Now, if there was any probability that he could have made it then that should have been the official line. But we were led to believe he was out and that was it:

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?294485-Mohammad-Amir-and-Haris-Sohail-withdraw-from-the-England-tour-due-to-personal-reasons

So now the mercenary is to be welcomed back all of a sudden?

What exactly are you annoyed about? That Amir notified the PCB that the baby is due in August and decided that it would mean Amir is unavailable for the series? And that subsequently, the baby had the NERVE of arriving early and with enough time for Amir to logistically take part in the series?

Should the PCB have said 'Amir is unable to play due to the birth of his child in August - HOWEVER if that baby is born early he will come and play'?

 

[Kroll]

What exactly are you annoyed about? That Amir notified the PCB that the baby is due in August and decided that it would mean Amir is unavailable for the series? And that subsequently, the baby had the NERVE of arriving early and with enough time for Amir to logistically take part in the series?

Should the PCB have said 'Amir is unable to play due to the birth of his child in August - HOWEVER if that baby is born early he will come and play'?

Amir has officially 'retired' from Tests. If its just for T20s, why are we bending over backwards to accommodate him. Good opportunity for others to impress.

Bring him back by all means for white ball cricket in the future if hes still interested but a line should have been drawn for this tour.

 

[King_Kohli]

Really good news.
Waiting.........

 

[Forum363]

Amir has officially 'retired' from Tests. If its just for T20s, why are we bending over backwards to accommodate him. Good opportunity for others to impress.

Bring him back by all means for white ball cricket in the future if hes still interested but a line should have been drawn for this tour.

How exactly are we ‘bending over backwards’? Amir is available. Rauf is not going to pass the Covid tests apparently, so they’ll need a replacement in the squad. (Don’t bother arguing about whether they need that many players etc - it’s a 29 man squad so they’re going to stick to that).

And amir is one of the top limited over bowlers in the world, so ofcourse he should slot straight back into the team.

 

[Kroll]

How exactly are we ‘bending over backwards’? Amir is available. Rauf is not going to pass the Covid tests apparently, so they’ll need a replacement in the squad. (Don’t bother arguing about whether they need that many players etc - it’s a 29 man squad so they’re going to stick to that).

And amir is one of the top limited over bowlers in the world, so ofcourse he should slot straight back into the team.

I still maintain that a line should have been drawn as soon it was announced he wasn't coming. Allows us to try another bowler as the future of Amir in the team looks shaky.

You might be doing bhangra and cart wheels with his inclusion but not everyone feels the same.

 

[Saj]

At the end of the day, the captain and the team management wanted him.

Can't really blame the player for being picked ahead of other players.

I think he'll do well in England.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Why? Amir is mediocre. I wish he stayed home.

 

[kingusama92]

Amir
Naseem
Shaheen
Abbas

That would be an excellent pace attack with two quality new ball bowlers up front. Don't think he wants to play Tests though.

 

[The Viper]

Mohammad Amir: Pakistan bowler takes another twist and turn before eventual decision to tour England

Mohammad Amir’s decision in June to opt out of the ongoing tour of England for personal reasons, was seen by some in Pakistan as another betrayal by the 28-year-old pace bowler.

While many understood his predicament – that his wife was expecting their second child – others felt that Amir was once again using this as an excuse not to play for his country.

From the floppy-haired teenage sensation who made such an impression at the start of his international career, to playing a starring role in Pakistan winning the 2009 World Twenty20 tournament, to the incredible events of the summer of 2010 in England, followed by the court appearance at Southwark Crown Court and the subsequent six-month custodial sentence and five-year ban from cricket, it would appear that Amir’s career has already seen enough twists and turns.

For those who had doubted Amir’s intentions upon returning to international cricket in 2015, his announcement to retire from the Test game in July 2019 at the age of only 27, was seen as another betrayal, and another opportunity to express their disappointment and anger at a player who the Pakistan Cricket Board had waited patiently for and invested heavily in.

Pakistan’s pace-bowling riches in the five-day format were very limited and Amir’s retirement unsurprisingly did not go down well in a cricket-mad nation where heroes are very quickly turned into villains.

To top it all, Amir’s name was conspicuously absent when the squad for Pakistan’s tour of England was announced. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clarified that the imminent arrival of his second child was the reason for Amir’s withdrawal from the squad. The PCB duly made arrangements for Haris Rauf and Musa Khan to cover for Amir’s absence in the three Twenty20 internationals at the end of August and early September.

Amir’s second child, was born on 16 July, a couple of weeks earlier than the expected date of early August initially stated by the PCB. Amir has now had a change of heart and approached the PCB to inform them of his availability. Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and the rest of the team management in England, together with the PCB have welcomed the left-armer’s offer and have asked him to travel to England and join the squad.

Amir’s eventual participation in the series will depend on him coming through the Covid-19 test protocols and he has undertaken the first test today, results of which are eagerly awaited.

Amir’s availability couldn’t have come at a better time for Pakistan given that 26-year-old pace-bowler Haris Rauf who impressed in this season’s Big Bash League is recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 virus and has failed several tests in Pakistan over the last two weeks.

There are calls for Amir not to be sent to England from some quarters, but it’s without any doubt that his change of heart will be welcomed by his team-mates and management in England.

https://inews.co.uk/sport/cricket/mohammad-amir-pakistan-cricket-team-tour-england-557910

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Amir
Naseem
Shaheen
Abbas

That would be an excellent pace attack with two quality new ball bowlers up front. Don't think he wants to play Tests though.

It wouldn't. Amir is a mediocre test bowler who averaged 40 in the 2016 England tour. He is an utter failure.

 

[kingusama92]

It wouldn't. Amir is a mediocre test bowler who averaged 40 in the 2016 England tour. He is an utter failure.

I agree, but in a specialized role (new ball bowler) he'd be excellent and complete the attack.

In 2016, his partners were the likes of Rahat Ali, Wahab, and Sohail Khan. That allowed England an opportunity to see the new ball off and then exploit him when the movement went away.

That wouldn't happen this time around because Shaheen, Naseem, and Abbas are ten times better and much harder to get away.

 

[Markhor]

Why? Amir is mediocre. I wish he stayed home.

And Imran Khan, Sohail Khan and Musa Khan are what ?

Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Curtly Ambrose with a Pakistani passport ?

 

[HappyWarsFan]

And Imran Khan, Sohail Khan and Musa Khan are what ?

Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Curtly Ambrose with a Pakistani passport ?

It's about a sending a message to these "stars" that they must play for the shirt first and be willing to put the hard yards in .

The others aren't great but they are hard workers and honest triers. What I love about Misbah is that he likes picking hard working triers and makes a good team out of them.

I was looking at our some of teams from 2011 and although the names weren't stars they did their part - the likes of Mohammad Salman, Tanvir Ahmed, Adnan, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Taufeeq Umar, etc. These are the players who aren't outstanding but will try and grit it out for the teams and we need player like them.

 

[Manunited18]

Amir is a moderate test bowler, shaheen is the real deal and for me will be much more challenging to the England bats.

 

[Markhor]

It's about a sending a message to these "stars" that they must play for the shirt first and be willing to put the hard yards in .

The others aren't great but they are hard workers and honest triers. What I love about Misbah is that he likes picking hard working triers and makes a good team out of them.

I was looking at our some of teams from 2011 and although the names weren't stars they did their part - the likes of Mohammad Salman, Tanvir Ahmed, Adnan, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Taufeeq Umar, etc. These are the players who aren't outstanding but will try and grit it out for the teams and we need player like them.

I'm all for honest triers too instead of packing the team with inconsistent superstars.

However the likes of Imran and Musa have not delivered, while Sohail is 36 years old and wasn't the fittest even in his prime.

Amir improves our white ball attack. I'm not saying he's lived up to the hype post-ban, but he was our best bowler at the 2019 World Cup (at least before Shaheen found his length) and enjoys English conditions.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

People are dreaming of Amir in tests but is it confirmed that he will be available for tests?

I think people are celebrating too early.

 

[hitthestump]

People are dreaming of Amir in tests but is it confirmed that he will be available for tests?

I think people are celebrating too early.

I think the opposite is confirmed -t20's only.

 

[Saj]

People are dreaming of Amir in tests but is it confirmed that he will be available for tests?

I think people are celebrating too early.

At the moment it's for T20Is. Misbah said he's a replacement for Haris Rauf.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

I think the opposite is confirmed -t20's only.

He would probably miss the first two tests anyway because of the quarantine period and the fact that he hasn't played any cricket since March,

 

[aloo paratha]

I agree, but in a specialized role (new ball bowler) he'd be excellent and complete the attack.

In 2016, his partners were the likes of Rahat Ali, Wahab, and Sohail Khan. That allowed England an opportunity to see the new ball off and then exploit him when the movement went away.

That wouldn't happen this time around because Shaheen, Naseem, and Abbas are ten times better and much harder to get away.

The lengths Amir fanbois will go to defend him

Sohail Khan took more wickets in 2 tests than Amir did in 4 matches. Sohail Khan took 13 wickets in 2 matches at an average of 25. Amir took 12 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 42.4. Wahab Riaz took 2 less wickets but at a considerably better average. Wahab averaged 36. Only Rahat Ali did worse, taking 8 wickets at an average of 51.

Based off the stats, after Rahat Ali, Amir was the weakest link.

 

[Forum363]

I still maintain that a line should have been drawn as soon it was announced he wasn't coming. Allows us to try another bowler as the future of Amir in the team looks shaky.

You might be doing bhangra and cart wheels with his inclusion but not everyone feels the same.

Yes because that is how selection policies should be - completely inflexible. If players are injured or something happens you’re not allowed to replace them.

I am happy about Amirs inclusion, while you clearly are not. But rather than simply saying he shouldn’t be in the team etc, you’re making some excuses about us having to bend over backwards etc.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

The lengths Amir fanbois will go to defend him

Sohail Khan took more wickets in 2 tests than Amir did in 4 matches. Sohail Khan took 13 wickets in 2 matches at an average of 25. Amir took 12 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 42.4. Wahab Riaz took 2 less wickets but at a considerably better average. Wahab averaged 36. Only Rahat Ali did worse, taking 8 wickets at an average of 51.

Based off the stats, after Rahat Ali, Amir was the weakest link.

I can't believe we're comparing sohail khan to mohammed amir
We might as well compare Iftikhar rao to umar gul

How many 5ers has sohail khan had in his career?

Sohail khan only star better than amir is probably in the Hong Kong 6ers

 

[aloo paratha]

I can't believe we're comparing sohail khan to mohammed amir
We might as well compare Iftikhar rao to umar gul

How many 5ers has sohail khan had in his career?

Sohail khan only star better than amir is probably in the Hong Kong 6ers

Sohail Khan has 2 Five wicket hauls in 9 tests. Amir has 4 in 36 tests.

Reality is that Amir was mediocre, he was gonna be dropped from tests sooner or later. He knew that so he quit. Shaheen, Naseem and Abbas are all better than Amir.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Sohail Khan has 2 Five wicket hauls in 9 tests. Amir has 4 in 36 tests.

Reality is that Amir was mediocre, he was gonna be dropped from tests sooner or later. He knew that so he quit. Shaheen, Naseem and Abbas are all better than Amir.

How many matches has sohail played in abu dhabi
How many has he played in the last 4 years

Abbas was dropped in the last series and was mediocre for leictershire
Shaheen and naseem have played as many tests as sohail khan in the last 4 years

I remember the same fans saying mohammed sami and umar gul were better than shoaib akhtar

 

[Junaids]

It wouldn't. Amir is a mediocre test bowler who averaged 40 in the 2016 England tour. He is an utter failure.

Amir averaged 21.28 with the ball in the last Pakistan Test series in England in 2018.

You are cherrrypicking the previous series - his comeback series - and ignoring the most recent data.

 

[MenInG]

Confirmed by PCB:

1. Mohammad Amir second COVID-19 test has come out as negative
2. Mohammad Amir's second COVID-19 test was done on Wednesday
3. Masseur Mohammad Imran's 2 COVID-19 tests have also come out as negative
4. As per protocols, both Amir and Imran are eligible for travel
5. PCB is starting arrangements for travel for both Amir and Imran
6. More details will be made available soon

 

[Saj]

I've asked the team management if Amir will only be available for T20Is in England but they won't confirm it.

I've a feeling when he's in England, they might try and twist his arm and play a Test or 2 if needed.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

Sohail Khan has 2 Five wicket hauls in 9 tests. Amir has 4 in 36 tests.

Reality is that Amir was mediocre, he was gonna be dropped from tests sooner or later. He knew that so he quit. Shaheen, Naseem and Abbas are all better than Amir.

Remind me again how many test matches has Sohail Khan played in Asia? Or on flat wickets?

Comparing apples and oranges lol.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

Amir averaged 21.28 with the ball in the last Pakistan Test series in England in 2018.

You are cherrrypicking the previous series - his comeback series - and ignoring the most recent data.

It's pretty clear from the response to Amir's recent interview thread that we have a chronic Amir hater problem here just because some Pakistanis think they know more about Amir's body than even Amir himself

 

[mumtaz]

I've asked the team management if Amir will only be available for T20Is in England but they won't confirm it.

I've a feeling when he's in England, they might try and twist his arm and play a Test or 2 if needed.

Yep, I think it would be Amir who would play as the 4th seamer if the pitch demands it rather than Faheem or Wahab or anyone else. Amir, for his part, might be willing to play as the 4th seamer so that the overall workload wont be too high.

The haste on Misbah's part to get him in England asap hints at nothing else. Otherwise, he could have joined the squad with Shoaib Malik later.

 

[TeymurBlake]

Despite him turning his back on Pakistan in Test.

Would be more than happy to take him back IF it means we don't play Sohail Khan, Imran Khan, Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Musa Khan.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Despite him turning his back on Pakistan in Test.

Would be more than happy to take him back IF it means we don't play Sohail Khan, Imran Khan, Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Musa Khan.

What's wrong with Wahab? He brings pace and experience. He takes wickets often even if he leaks runs.