Karachi: Pakistan cricket's head coach Misbah ul-Haq has openly signalled that he does not have any personal problems with the retired fast-bowler Mohammed Amir. In a press conference, Misbah urged Amir to come out of retirement as he was dropped due to "injuries".
“Like I have said before, Amir was dropped because of injuries and performance and later he announced retirement. If he takes his retirement back and performs well, the door is open for him to make comeback like every other player. I have no personal issue with him, which I have stated before as well,” said Misbah during the press conference ahead of the tour of England.
Mohammed Amir had retired in December 2020, after being dropped from the Pakistan national team. Amir has applied for UK citizenship and is planning on having a future in the United Kingdom. But with this latest revelation, will the situation change for Amir?
Misbah openly showed support for Mohammed Amir. “He made a comeback when I was captain and later as a coach. Last year, he wasn’t able to travel with us to England due to some family issues but as soon as they were resolved we straightaway included him in the squad. I don’t know why this issue has been created and why Amir thinks like that. If he stays, performs well and the team needs him, he will be considered for selection. Whatever happened in the past, I don’t think about it.” he added.
Amir has yet not received the UK citizenship. So, will this latest press-conference episode have any impact on Amir's decision of not playing for Pakistan. In an interview with PakPassion.net, Amir said, “At the moment I’ve been granted indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom. I’m enjoying my cricket these days and plan to play for another 6 or 7 years so let’s see how things go. My children will grow up in England and receive their education there so no doubt I will be spending a fair amount of time there.”
Meanwhile, Misbah is all set to travel to England as the coach of Pakistan's national team. They are scheduled to play 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is.