Mohammad Amir, Haris Sohail Opt Out Of England Tour

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir and middle-order batsman Haris Sohail have decided against traveling to England for the upcoming tour. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the news on Thursday (June 11). The left-arm pacer has withdrawn from the series to remain with his wife as the couple is expecting its second child in August.

On the other hand, Sohail has decided not to go to England citing personal reasons. The much-anticipated series will take place in August and September as cricket finally takes small steps towards resumption of action. International cricket will begin next month when England will host West Indies for a three-match Test series.

Meanwhile, Amir and Sohail are the second set of high profile players to avoid the tour. Earlier this month, three West Indies players – Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul – decided not to visit England over coronavirus pandemic concerns.

Amir, who wasn’t offered a central contract by the PCB for the 2020-21 season, was likely to play in the T20I series. The pacer, who retired from Tests last year, has not played for Pakistan since the T20I series in Australia. On the other hand, Sohail was likely to be a present in the squad for both the T20Is and the Tests.

The PCB also announced that it will be sending 28 players and 14 player support personnel for the tour. Pakistan will play three Tests and as many T20Is on the tour. The support staff will include former cricketers Younis Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed, who have recently been confirmed as the batting and spin bowling coach respectively.

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