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Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi has endorsed the return of Mohammad Amir to the national side, adding that the left-arm pacer deserved to make a comeback because of his ‘truthfulness’.
The 23-year-old fast bowler was included in the Pakistan ODI and T20 squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour on Friday in a development widely expected despite strong opposition by teammates and former players.
Amir will feature in the Pakistan team for the first time since the infamous spot-fixing scandal in 2010 that led to his suspension from the game for five years and Afridi said he was looking forward to the pacer's international comeback in a series of tweets on Friday.
“Happy to have Amir back in team,” tweeted Afridi.
“He told me truth first time I asked him in England. He admitted his mistake we should back him now,” he added.
The flamboyant all-rounder said he also respected the stance of teammates Azhar Ali and Mohammad Hafeez regarding Amir.
The two players resisted Amir’s inclusion in the Pakistan team and also boycotted the Pakistan training camp before the matter was said to be ‘resolved’ by the PCB.
“I respect Azhar and Hafeez's stance. We suffered a lot due to spot-fixing scandal and our image was tarnished everywhere,” said Afridi.
But Amir’s 'honesty' during his five-year ban had earned him a spot in the team again, according to Afridi.
“Amir spoke the truth both to courts and the Pakistani public.”
“Unlike the rest who kept lying for two-three years,” he added.
The 35-year-old veteran persuaded cricketers, critics and fans to move on from the Amir Saga and back the fast bowler when he plays for the national side.
“We now need to move on and I will back Amir and expect him to serve Pakistan cricket with total dedication and commitment,” he said.
Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20 and three one-day internationals against New Zealand, starting from January 15, 2016.
“We have selected the best possible team for NZ tour,” said Afridi.
“This squad is the best available talent in Pakistan,” he added.
