LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani has opened up on pacer Mohammad Amir and opener Sami Aslam’s decision to quit playing cricket for Pakistan.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ehsan Mani said, “I was sad to hear about Mohammad Amir and Sami Aslam’s decisions to quit international cricket. I wish the two had spoken to the PCB before announcing their decisions.”
Amir has taken an indefinite break from international cricket, after reservations with Pakistan’s team management, while Aslam shifted to USA after not being considered for the national side.
“Amir, unlike some of the leading fast bowlers, first preferred to play white-ball cricket before retiring, while Sami should have taken a leaf out of Fawad Alam’s book and tried staged a comeback after performing strongly in domestic cricket,” he added.
He also backed the national team’s coaching staff, saying, “The national side has a formidable backroom staff, led by Misbahul Haq, Waqar Younis and Younis Khan, who are proven performers.”
“To supplement these stalwarts, we have employed Saqlain Mushtaq and Mohammad Yousuf at NHPC. I remain confident that with the quality coaches we engaged, we are heading in the direct direction,” he added.
“In 2021, we have around 10 bilateral series and a global event. I am optimistic these competitions as well as the highly-improved, advanced and competitive domestic cricket, will help these youngsters to transform into top performers,” he concluded.
