Azhar, Hafeez refuse to share training camp with Amir

LAHORE (Web Desk) - After opener Muhammad Hafeez refused to play with pacer Muhammad Amir, Pakistan ODI team captain Azhar Ali has also refused to join the training camp alongside the tainted bowler, local TV channels reported on Thursday.

"We will not attend camp as long as Amir is also there," said ODI captain Azhar Ali. Amir's presence in the camp is unacceptable, he said.

The cricketer said that they would stick to their stance, but were ready to discuss the issue with PCB chairman Shahryar Khan, according to Geo TV.

Both Azhar and Hafeez have so far boycotted the camp, which is currently underway to train players for the upcoming series.

More read: PCB clears Muhammad Amir to play for Pakistan

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday fully endorsed Mohammad Amir’s return to the national side, urging players and fans to forgive the bowler.

The PCB, in a statement confirmed that the fast bowler is ‘eligible’ for national selection, having completed his rehabilitation programme after serving a five-year ban for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.

Amir is likely to be picked in the squad for the New Zealand tour next month despite currently facing a visa hurdle, ESPNcricinfo reported.

“There are a few players and commentators who are opposed to his selection. But in the past, spot fixers and drugs cheats have been permitted re-entry in to the international arena after serving their sentence. They include Marlon Samuels, Herschelle Gibbs, Tyson Gay [an American sprinter],” said the PCB.

Since his return, Amir has impressed in domestic first-class cricket and in the BPL, but the PCB said that a final call on his international comeback ultimately rests with the selectors.