Former great slams selectors for picking Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim in squad: 'RIP Pakistan domestic cricket'

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Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has slammed PCB selectors for picking pacer Mohammad Hafeez and all-rounder Imad Wasim in the squad for T20I series against New Zealand starting April 17.

Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim made their return to the Pakistan cricket team on Tuesday (April 9) after coming out of their respective retirements last month. Mohammad Hafeez has slammed the selectors for allowing their return without playing any domestic cricket.

However, Wahab Riaz, the chief selector of Pakistan cricket team, gave a straightforward reply on the reason behind the selection of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim. He said absence of Haris Rauf, and poor form of Mohammad Nawaz helped in their comebacks.

“The decision to include Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir was a straightforward one, given their availability for selection and considering Haris Rauf's injury and Mohammad Nawaz's current form. Both Amir and Imad possess undeniable match-winning capabilities, and we trust they will consistently deliver strong performances to bolster the team's objectives,” Wahab said in a press conference.

Muhammad Yousuf, who is also part of the selection panel, also backed Amir and Wasim to deliver for Pakistan. He hinted that their performance can help them find a place in Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 squad.

"I trust that both players will continue their upward trajectory, sparing no effort in proving themselves worthy of the selectors' and captain's trust and confidence," selector Muhammad Yousuf said.

Wahab Riaz also came to Amir's rescue after Ramiz Raja slammed the PCB for picking the left-arm pacer despite his role in 2010 spot-fixing scandal. Wahab said even Islam allows second chances to individuals to free themselves from their mistakes.

"I think Ramiz Raja's comments were very negative and you can't say such things about an individual. Even our religion allows a second chance to even someone who has been convicted of a crime," Wahab said.

"Both Amir and Imad possess undeniable match-winning capabilities, and we trust they will consistently deliver strong performances to bolster the team's objectives," Wahab added.

Pakistan Squad vs New Zealand: Pakistan: Babar Azam (Capt), Muhammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Amir, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir