'Azhar, Hafeez may face disciplinary action for opposing Amir's return'

Lahore, Dec 25 (Cricketnmore)- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan said on Friday that opener Mohammad Hafeez and One-Day International (ODI) captain Azhar Ali may face disciplinary action after the duo boycotted a fitness training camp which also included spot-fixing tainted pacer Mohammad Amir.

Shaharyar was quoted as saying by a public service broadcaster: "We have talked earlier regarding this matter and we will talk again, but still if they (Azhar and Hafeez) do not agree then the PCB will think about disciplinary action against them."

Amir’s bid to make a comeback to the national side was given a major boost last week after PCB inducted the fast bowler in a camp for 26 players which also includes T20 captain Shahid Afridi.

The board on Wednesday issued a statement backing Amir's return to the national set-up saying "even Islam calls for forgiveness in such cases".

But PCB’s efforts to reintegrate the pacer back into the national side took a hit on Thursday after Ali and Hafeez failed to ‘report to the camp’ at the National Cricket Academy here.

Azhar has publicly opposed Amir's inclusion.

“We will not take part in a camp which also includes Amir. We will not back down on our stance but are willing to discuss the matter with PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan,” Azhar was quoted as saying by Geo News earlier.

In November, Hafeez turned down an offer from Chittagong Vikings to feature in the Bangladesh Premier League as the franchise had already signed Amir.

Earlier this month, former captain and ambassador of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Ramiz Raja, criticised PCB's sympathy for Amir.

Agency

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