‘Truthful’ Amir deserved to make comeback: Afridi
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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.
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On DawnNews
Comments (51) Closed
Jan 01, 2016 08:47pm
....and you deserve come back from
Ground.
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Jan 01, 2016 08:51pm
Now everybody appears to be joining the Amir bandwagon. Good sign. Look to the future and time for team to perform in New Zealand.
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Jan 01, 2016 08:54pm
really
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Jan 01, 2016 09:23pm
All crooks should be elevated to the highest positions in Pakistan - it's not fair to do it only in cricket
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Jan 01, 2016 09:25pm
So if azhar and hafeez are so concerned why dont they just resign and go home?
And where in the world will they play if they are so morally upright and righteous as there are tainted people in all walks of life
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Jan 01, 2016 09:28pm
Truth is not that you confide with one person, truth is that what you share with all.
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Jan 01, 2016 09:29pm
yeah the best possible T20 squad for NZ, after whitewash by England in home series, if Pak proves in NZ then chances of lifting T20 trophy increases otherwise no way .
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Jan 01, 2016 09:35pm
He made a mistake when the fellow was a teenager. Most adults make mistakes all the time. He accepted responsibilty, paid for it and it is time to move on. Give him a brewk.
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Jan 01, 2016 09:46pm
Amir inclusion will be humiliation for Pakistan cricket team in NZ.
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Jan 01, 2016 09:55pm
He made a horrible mistake when he was in his teen. Afrer he was caught he admitted to his mistake and went to jail for it. Now, he has sworn to uphold the good name of his people. How can you compare him to the lying cheats in all walks of life in Pakistan, who would keep on cheating and lying and due to their political/financial influence are never being caught/convicted?
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Jan 01, 2016 10:03pm
So the entire teams effort in winning a tournament is based on one individual? Sorry to know that PCB selection team stoop to such low level.. Win or loose, our pride and dignity is more important..
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Jan 01, 2016 10:12pm
No amount of due or undue praise is going to wash away the truth - that Aamir was involved in criminal act which also led to defaming of our beloved country.
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Jan 01, 2016 10:13pm
Pakistan cricket is going through hard times; in order to revamp cricket structure, we will have to adjust ourselves with these icons which, however, brought criticism against Pakistan because of their selfish acts.
Amir has put in apology for the mistake, and now we should accept his apology and move on towards the re-portraying of cricket in Pakistan.
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Jan 01, 2016 10:22pm
If he told you the truth there in England about the saga of spot fixing , then Why the hell you did not come forward and told PCB, The investigators and the court there and then , Why did you have to tell The truth now , does it not make you complicit with the crime as you knew the truth but put a veil on it in legal terms you abetted the criminal act by virtue of knowing the truth and then not telling it to the court . Mind you not only the other 2 But also Aamir spoke of innocence during the 1st few weeks when the drama unfolded and you knowing it then , did not come forward .... you yourself have not be a sane figure either , you had dug up the cricket strip and you have chewed the ball to affect its conditions so by saying this you are well coming the comrade in crimes back to the fold ????
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Jan 01, 2016 10:26pm
Will Pakistanis forgive a policeman who was convicted for 5 years jail term and let him come back to duty after serving his sentence? Food for thought !!
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Jan 01, 2016 10:33pm
@zahid malik , that perhaps would be the case However , if they up hold their own rule of law , "No person with convicted criminal background " , should be allowed to get visa to their country . So That 1st process would halt all this Aamer band wagon UNLESS here again PCB/Pakistan Govt steps in ( like they did with another felon Mohammad Asif to get him out of the UAE jail due to drugs found on him ) and gets him a visa . UAE let Asif go under Pakistani political cum personal contacts of high ups in Govt, BUT ensured that he Never sets foot in UAE ) ... So Let us see , where this band wagon stops I must also say this , Kiwis are not having the so called Saints in the game either , they have their own Match fixer in Chris Cane and they also have Azhers and Hafeezs of their own in Brandon mcallum current captaion , who gave evidence against his own colleague !!!! so then lets see what the Kiwis do here inPakistan (Visa) or there in during the games.
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Jan 01, 2016 10:40pm
@FearAllah
How do you guarantee that he will not do it again? I bet, he will do it again if he gets a chance.
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Jan 01, 2016 10:44pm
Afridi has shown, once again, that he is in fact a leader!
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Jan 01, 2016 11:30pm
That is happen only in Pakistan where corrupt and dishonest people clear from everything so Amir case is very small example but yes its not a good sign for future means people can clear on sympathy ground and do what they want even sell the respect and grace of Pakistan
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Jan 01, 2016 11:40pm
We should get out of this Yes Amir..No Amir saga...and focus on the team to improve
for the future...amir alone cannot make the team win all the players will have to perform good...each and every player is important and they should build their pride...
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Jan 01, 2016 11:42pm
Expectations are so high ,no human can measure up to them.Young man become oblivious to all the distraction, do your best rest is with Almighty. Well done Afridi. This young man needs some support. Wish you and Amir best of luck. Nay Sayers will always be there. They are insignificant.
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Jan 01, 2016 11:48pm
PCB know that they are risking chance on Amir. So, in order to cover their mistake, PCB has asked Waqar, Haroon Rasheed , Afridi and others to give supporting statements, even if no one wants to say so. What a nonsens behaviour of PCB ?
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Jan 01, 2016 11:50pm
Every ball, run, missed catch, and no ball will invite suspicion . Pak team will be ridiculed. And Pak will never learn.
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Jan 02, 2016 12:13am
Thank you Shahid Afridi. I agree Aamir MUST return to the team.
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Jan 02, 2016 12:46am
Excellent comments from Afridi! Really the first time somebody is able to articulate why Amir, although guilty, is different from the rest.
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Jan 02, 2016 12:56am
I am not aganist this guys return. But he should get his attitude right. I feel that he is taking his return for granted. He should thank his stars for his background and age otherwise hos return would not have been possible..he should learn from people like kumble, sreenath etc how to be humble
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Jan 02, 2016 01:15am
Well said LALA.
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Jan 02, 2016 01:20am
I admit amir s good bowler but this is just desperation how PCB got him back in team now we have to support him as he s part of our cricket team
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Jan 02, 2016 02:28am
Yeh so the circus goes on time for act II now
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Jan 02, 2016 02:37am
Sanity prevails. Wise decision. Well done PCB!
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Jan 02, 2016 02:56am
Truthful or a criminal . Let him be an example for other youngsters. He can become a politician where he can prosper.
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Jan 02, 2016 03:50am
Don't think I ever thought I will say this but Afridi makes senses. Amir deserves to be back just cause he was honest throughout.
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Jan 02, 2016 03:56am
@Faisal Few of fans were opposed to joining because they were scared of Pakistan revival of fortune in ODI and T20.Amir and Imaad Wasim should be playing in all format.You need match winners not 50-50 players who depend on luck to make things happen.Surely Pakistan team result will be much different.All depend on who is playing in team.
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Jan 02, 2016 04:00am
@Shaffiq I would have backed you if not Amir was Man of Series in England in last Pakistan tour there.Sorry but cannot support your logic if he got Man of Series based on individual performance.Going by your logic those under performers who claim to be saint should be kicked out of team.
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Jan 02, 2016 04:29am
I have never heard such an absurd statement. He should be given a chance because he was Truthful to us. It tells us the derth of knowledge Shahid has. The guy has paid his dues, both behind bars and professionally that's why he should be given a chance to redeem himself rather than the he was truthful to the King Afridi.
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Jan 02, 2016 05:04am
So................first sin is forgivable....
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Jan 02, 2016 05:05am
@zahid malik ---really?????????what about corrupt politicians who are incharge of whole Pakistan??????say something there too !!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jan 02, 2016 05:23am
@Saeed Masood Amir,Imaad Wasim,Sarfraz,Rizwan are above par players,rest of team cannot be said to be same standard.We have to count on these guys to reverse the fortune for Pakistan in ODI and T20.ODI team needs Sarfraz as Captain.
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Jan 02, 2016 06:19am
If they don't take in and loos , their own place in team will be at risk. They all are preparing to save them self .
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Jan 02, 2016 07:01am
@Nasir they are already in high places. Few are waiting in the wings. Aamir is going to represent Pakistan Cricket in Newzealand. Poor Misbah will have to face the embarrassment.
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Jan 02, 2016 07:02am
@mo crawl back under the rock you came out from.
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Jan 02, 2016 07:12am
Amir prove to all that you deserve there trust.
Good luck and best wishes and happy hunting against Pakistan rivals.
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Jan 02, 2016 07:41am
Well.. Good decision to Select Aamir In Squad
He Deserve the Chance
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Jan 02, 2016 07:52am
@Guest66 Well Said.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:25am
@zahid malik Just like your misplaced comments here
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Jan 02, 2016 10:12am
Let the corrupts reign
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Jan 02, 2016 11:14am
Truthfully Dr. asim & all those related to corruption should be forgiven as all of them have begged pardon, corruption is the name game in pakistan, all those supporting the corrupt Amir do have a stake in this corrupt society.
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Jan 02, 2016 02:40pm
I always go on about culture of corruption in pak land but in case of Amir being included in the team is due to the fact he was very young at the time of offence and showed remorse.As for the other two they shoudent be allowed on the cricket ground at any cost.
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Jan 02, 2016 03:25pm
In the photograph Afridi is looking a BOSS and Waqar is an ordinary player
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Jan 03, 2016 12:02am
The poor fella made a mistake and paid 5 years of his cricketing life for it. He should be given another chance. But fast tracking him suggests the good old mentality of our Asian culture not wanting to give fresh talent a chance and a desire to hold on to nostalgia. Amir was an excellent bowler but I am not sure he is the same after 5 years. Maybe the PCB should have done a little bit more homework on this one.
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Jan 03, 2016 07:00pm
@Jazzy
True. Amir should be given another chance. He should be allowed to work his way up like everyone else. Sticking him at the top as soon as his ban is over is probably not the best way to go particularly for the new talents that have been waiting to make a debut for Pakistan. There is a 19 year old that feels cheated as PCB decided to bring in Amir instead of giving a new kid a break!
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