Veteran all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has backed Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to include Muhammad Amir in the training camp for the New Zealand tour, and asked all parties to move on and look towards the future.
“I think it is the right thing to do and I support the PCB in this decision,” he said.
“Look, we as human beings are prone to making mistakes.
“In Amir’s case, he made a mistake and he has served his punishment of a five-year ban, it’s time for everyone to move forward and give him another chance.
The former Rawalpindi region player said that even religiously, people need to forgive others.
“Even from a religious point of view, we need to find it in our hearts to forgive him [Amir] and move on.”
The former Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder went on to say that players should sort their difference away from the media, and that PCB should play a role to avoid any further controversy.
“This should have been sorted away from the glare of the media,” said Azhar.
“If some players had issues with Muhammad Amir returning to the national team, they should’ve spoken to PCB rather than running to the media.
“The PCB should step in and resolve this issue among players in an amicable manner.
“PCB needs to remind some players that the cricket team is not run by and does not belong to individuals.”
The 40-year-old, who represented Pakistan in 21 Tests and 143 ODIs, said that if the issue will not be solved properly, it will create problems in the future.
“The problem now is if this matter is not handled sensibly, then there will always be suspicions about player rivalry if and when the team does not perform well in the future.”
The Surrey all-rounder also expressed his disappointment for not being picked in the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League.
“The word disappointment doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings about not being picked by any PSL team in the draft,” said Mahmood.
“I am not too sure what logic was used to pick players by the franchises but it appears that they didn’t get good advice.
“I am disappointed but we have to move on and that is what I will be doing.” concluded Azhar.
