Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam has debunked the impression that left-arm pace bowler Mohammad Amir would face special restrictions or close scrutiny in New Zealand, where they play a limited over series this month.
The former Test captain admitted that the tour to New Zealand will be a tough one for Amir.
“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 Sunday morning.
Amir 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.
He said that Amir would follow the same code of conduct guidelines that is 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,” he said.
He said the same sets of rules are applied for other players as well.
“We don’t want to stifle the players but at 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 talk with Amir.
“What he did five years ago he 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.
He said Amir 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.”
He also conceded that the process of winning back the trust, confidence and friendship of some of his other teammates would also take time.
“We understand that and Amir understands that as well. But my job is to ensure the dressing room and team environment remains good and there are no misunderstandings or mistrust.”
