Skip to content

Pakistan's Azhar Ali says he has resolved his issues with Mohammad Amir

Azhar Ali of Pakistan bats during the third one-day International between Pakistan and England in Sharjah
Image: Azhar Ali is back at the helm for Pakistan's one-day series against New Zealand

Pakistan's one-day captain Azhar Ali says he has resolved his issues with Mohammad Amir ahead of the three-match series against New Zealand.

Ali refused to train with Amir and tendered his resignation after the 23-year-old fast bowler was recalled to the Pakistan squad when his five-year ban from international cricket for spot-fixing ended late last year.

However, Ali has now changed his position and aims to "get the best" out of Amir if he plays in the opening match of the series in Wellington on Monday.

Ali, who has taken over the captaincy from Shahid Afridi for the 50-over game, said: "We have moved on. We are united and looking forward to the challenge. Whatever my stance was, my job is to lead and keep harmony in the dressing room."

Afridi had no problems having Amir in his side for the Twenty20 series, which New Zealand won 2-1 with Amir bowling 11 overs and taking 1-100 over the three matches.

Live One-Day International Cricket

Ali stayed away from the first two days of a training camp before the New Zealand tour saying he would not attend "as long as Amir is there".

He resumed the captaincy after Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan intervened and said he has since talked to Amir and does not expect any problems.

Also See:

Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir takes part in a training session
Image: Mohammad Amir will be hoping to start in the first ODI against the Black Caps

"He bowled well in the T20s. My job is to try to get the best out of him," Ali said.

Pakistan have a strong squad of fast bowlers to choose from with Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz and Rahat Ali also in contention with windy conditions expected at the Basin Reserve.

"Obviously we will try to put a combination together which suits these conditions and the wind factor. We've been practising bowling into it, everyone is ready," Ali added.