LAHORE: As usual, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shaharyar Khan on Monday took another U-turn and quashed fast bowler Mohammad Aamir’s hopes of an early return to the national side, saying the left-arm pacer would not be considered for selection in the near future. Addressing the media outside Gaddafi Stadium here, Shaharyar said that the board was not in any hurry to make a decision on Aamir even while acknowledging that the 23-year-old had made a case with consistent performances in domestic matches and the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). “There is no doubt that Aamir is performing really well but he needs to be monitored more.”
Since his return, Aamir has taken 22 wickets in a Grade II tournament before capturing an impressive 34 in the four qualifying matches of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He then grabbed 17 wickets in Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. In the Bangladesh Premier League, featuring for the Chittagong Vikings, Aamir has picked up 11 wickets from 8 matches at an average of 14.45.
Shaharyar also revealed that the selectors had suggested that Aamir be included in the Pakistan ‘A’ squad for the ongoing unofficial T20 series against England Lions in Dubai. The PCB chief also dismissed reports that Aamir would feature in the series against India, should it take place. Earlier, former captain and ambassador of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Ramiz Raja, who is critical of the PCB’s sympathy towards tainted fast bowler, said that if he had powers to make a call on the matter, he would have never let the young fast bowler play again. “Pakistan cricket has suffered a lot. I don’t have courage to face any more shocks or jolts again. I have experienced this practically and those who have witnessed such things practically can’t forgive the characters involved in the act,” said Ramiz.
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis, who had a detailed discussion on Aamir’s future with Shaharyar on Thursday, however, backed Aamir and said “we are all on the same page” about the young fast bowler’s future in international cricket.
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