Karachi: Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam has debunked the impression that left-arm pacer Mohammed Aamir would face special restrictions or close scrutiny in New Zealand, where they play a limited-overs series this month.
The former Test captain admitted that the tour to New Zealand will be a tough one for Aamir. “The Pakistan Cricket Board is also ready for any situation, but we are placing no special restrictions on him,” Alam said before the team’s departure early on Sunday morning.

Aamir is making his first tour with the Pakistan team since returning to cricket after serving a five-year ban and jail time for his role in the spot-fixing scandal in England in 2010. Alam said that Aamir would follow the same code of conduct guidelines that are laid out for other players.

“But he has been advised not to move out of the hotel alone or entertain any guests without the knowledge of the team management,” Alam said.

“We won’t stifle Aamir or the other players, but at the same time, we have our own way of ensuring the tour progresses smoothly because Pakistan cricket cannot afford any more unnecessary controversies.”

Alam said that he had a long discussion with Aamir. “For what he did five years ago, Aamir has paid the price for that. Now he is feeling the pressure because of the media attention on him and it is never easy for anyone to make a comeback to international cricket after so many years,” the manager noted.

Alam added that Aamir would be given counselling on the tour and if required the management would hire someone in New Zealand. “But it will all depend on his performances and how he adopts to international cricket again.”
Alam also conceded that the process of winning back the trust, confidence and friendship of some of Aamir’s other teammates would also take time. “We understand that and Aamir understands that as well as anybody. 
(PTI)