Pakistan paceman Mohammad Amir is likely to miss the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League Twenty20. According to reports, the left-arm pacer’s participation in the PSL was thrown in limbo after some officials and cricketers from the Pakistan Cricket Board opposed his participation in the tournament.
Amir, who is currently playing the third edition of the Bangladesh Premier League T20 for Chittagong Vikings, has outshone all the other pace bowlers in the ongoing competition, having taken nine wickets in their first seven matches. Amir’s past however, is said to have worked against him. The 23-year old has recently returned to competitive action after serving a suspension due to his involvement in spot-fixing.
The PCB has finalised a list of as many as 90 Pakistan players who will participate in the PSL, scheduled to be held next February. The PCB had kept Amir in the initial list of local players but removed him following objections.
PCB’s Najam Sethi, who also heads the committee related to the PSL, wants Amir to play the T20 league and prove himself before a probable return to the Pakistan team. However, it was learned that he lacks support of the majority of the board members.
Meanwhile, former captain Wasim Akram, who is also a PSL ambassador, feels Amir should be given a second chance.
“Our religion Islam teaches to forgive those who ask for forgiveness. Amir has served his time and has been rehabilitated, and is bowling brilliantly now,” Wasim was quoted as saying in a recent interview.
In the meantime, Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis yesterday also threw his support behind Amir. Younis said Amir “deserves to come back in the community and enhance his reputation”.
The Pakistan head coach also said he had a detailed discussion with PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan about Amir’s future.
Amir was allowed last January to return to domestic cricket.
