Misbah-ul-Haq Responds To Mohammad Amir's Decision Of Not Touring England
Published - 13 Jun 2020, 01:11 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:30 AM
Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq has responded to Mohammad Amir’s decision of opting out of the upcoming tour of England. The left-arm pacer, who has been facing criticism since retiring from Tests last year, decided against travelling to England in order to be with his wife as the couple is expecting its second child.
Along with Amir, Haris Sohail has also decided not to tour England due to undisclosed family reasons. But Amir is once again being targeted by the fans for his decision to withdraw. Pakistan will play three Tests and three T20Is in England in August and September.
But while the fans are taking shots at Amir, Misbah-ul-Haq said the pacer has genuine reason to stay home. He also urged the fans to not doubt the players’ intentions and asked them to respect the players.
“Amir has a genuine reason for not being able to travel. Why would he deliberately avoid playing, especially in conditions where he can perform well. We shouldn’t doubt these things. Haris as well. We should respect players’ personal issues and not doubt them,” said Misbah-ul-Haq who is also the chief selector of Pakistan.
Amir, nonetheless, seems to have fallen down the pecking order in Pakistan team. The pacer last played for Pakistan on the tour of Australia last year where he managed just one wicket in three games. He was later dropped from the team for the home T20I series against Bangladesh. Pakistan Cricket Board also decided against giving him a central contract for 2020-21 season.
He has been facing non-stop criticism since retiring from Tests last year just before the challenging tour of Australia. Not only the fans but some former cricketers like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have also lashed out at the pacer.