Azhar not in favour of Amir’s decision to reduce int’l cricket

Pakistan team’s bowling coach Azhar Mehmood seems to be not in favour of Muhammad Amir’s decision to reduce international cricket, as he suggests that the pacer instead give up County cricket and T20 leagues.

In an interview, the bowling coach Azhar Mehmood suggested, “Amir should look to give up County cricket and T20 leagues instead of reducing international cricket.”

Amir, who made his comeback in the side after serving five-year suspension due to spot-fixing, said he can’t roll back that lost time but he can manage his workload to extend his career as much as he can.

“I came to an agreement with Mickey and with so much cricket we need to follow a rotation policy so that everyone is fresh and fully fit for the country. His planning ahead of the 2019 World Cup is working very well. I didn’t say I don’t want to play Test cricket but that I want to weave myself in, resting for a few and playing the important games,” he added.

Speaking about Amir’s decision Azhar said, “My advice to Amir, if he wishes to give himself a break from back-to-back cricket, is to not play County or Twenty20 league cricket and instead concentrate on playing international cricket in all formats.”

"This is simply because he is young, he has potential and if he looks after himself, he can go a long way without a doubt. Amir now has to make the final decision on this but as the team management, we will speak to him and guide him to come to a conclusion which is best for him and is in the best interests of Pakistan cricket," Azhar added.

The pacer will be in action against West Indies three-match Twenty 20 International series at National Stadium Karachi starting from April 1.