Azhar Ali resigns as Pakistan ODI captain but persuaded to stay on
Tuesday 29 December 2015 09:32, UK
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refused to accept the resignation of captain Azhar Ali over the return of Mohammad Amir to the international side.
Ali made the request to step down as captain to PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan, but Khan said he had been persuaded to continue despite his upset at Amir's potential return to the fold.
"I met Ali and since he resigned as captain, and I convinced him not to do so as Pakistan cricket cannot afford a crisis at this time," Khan said.
Amir is available to play in international cricket again after the conclusion of a five-year ban for spot-fixing on the tour of England in 2010, but his return has not been welcomed by some former team-mates.
Ali and Mohammad Hafeez previously said they would not join Pakistan's pre-season training camp if Amir was included, and they were not in attendance when it began.
But both arrived in camp two days later after meeting with Khan, and Hafeez said at the time: "I am happy that the PCB chairman heard my reservations and agreed to safeguard our concerns for the sake of Pakistan cricket.
"Playing cricket is my passion and I don't need to convince people about my talent.
"I know I am an average player but I won an honour to represent Pakistan and I vow to contribute to the success of Pakistan. I will, in my humble capacity, continue to support every player."
