- Backs Amir in England return
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s One-Day International (ODI) captain Azhar Ali told that his side will look to qualify directly for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 after putting a strong performance in the ICC Champions Trophy.
“The ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is a crucial event for us and as a team our main goal will be to win as many matches as possible so that we can improve our team ranking and qualify automatically for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019,” he said in a statement after the ICC announced the Champions Trophy scheduled in London on Wednesday.
The fixtures were announced exactly an year before the first ball of the tournament will be bowled. The 18-day long tournament will see 15 matches be played at three venues.
“A lot of ODI cricket is scheduled in the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy and it will be our best chance to learn, improve and win as many matches as possible so that we arrive in England and Wales next year fully prepared and ready for the challenge,” the Pakistan captain said.
“The ICC Champions Trophy is one trophy which is missing from our cabinet. It has earned the status as one of the most demanding, challenging and intense competitions. So, it will be nice if we can get our hands on this piece of silverware next year.
“In the face of competition from some outstanding teams and players, it will not be easy, but success at any global event comes only after persistent preparations and efforts, which have to be backed up by consistent performances. I am hoping that over the next 12 months, we will be able to build on our strengths and achieve our objectives,” he added.
Paceman Mohammad Amir, who spent time in jail and served a five-year ban for spot-fixing, will be able to handle the pressure of returning to England if he is granted a visa for their upcoming tour, said team mate Azhar Ali.
Amir was considered one of the most exciting fast bowlers in the world before a 2010 spot-fixing scandal that resulted in bans and jail sentences for him, former test captain Salman Butt and fast bowler Mohammad Asif.
The trio were cleared to return to the sport by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last September after serving suspensions.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has requested a visa for Amir, who has already toured New Zealand for a limited over series, played in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh and featured in the World Twenty20 in India since serving his ban.
Azhar had offered his resignation as one-day captain when Amir was brought back into the Pakistan fold but is now keen to move on and says the team will support the 24-year-old quick if he needs it in England.
“[What happened in] 2010 is in the past and now we need to look forward,” Azhar told reporters on Tuesday.
“It has been a while now since he has been with us. It could have been tough, had he come in straight on such a tour, but now, after playing with us for a long time, things have settled.
“Even he isn’t under pressure because he has already made his comeback a few months ago and the toughest phase is over for him,” Azhar said.
“I know England was the place where the incident happened but hopefully he can handle the pressure like he did on his comeback. But still if anything happens, we, as a team, will handle it.”
Pakistan will play four Tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 International in England between July 14 and Sept 7. – Agencies
