Amir issued no warning, says PCB

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Thursday denied news item in section of media which said fast bowler Mohammad Amir was issued a warning for criticizing team-mates on drop catches on his bowling during the two-match Test series in New Zealand.

Section of media claimed Amir was issued a warning and was told to be cautious on his media talks. But Amir did not say any incriminating things during his media talk on the fourth day of the Hamilton Test on Monday.

Asked if he gets discouraged by drop catches off his bowling, Amir replied: “Yes, it affects the bowler when you run from 22 yards and your catch is dropped – you’re disappointed and frustrated,” Amir said. “But it affects the team more than the individual. I’ve been very unlucky, but I try to be a team man.

“It’s difficult to keep count, but I think at least 12-13 catches have gone down off my bowling in Tests and about six-seven catches have been dropped in the shorter formats as well.”

Sami Aslam dropped New Zealand opener Jeet Raval off the third ball of the Test and then dropped Rod Latham in the second innings. Amir too dropped Kane Wialliamson off his own bowling which took the count to 13 dropped catches off his bowling since his return to Test cricket in July this year.

PCB said Amir did not cross the line.

“It is to clarify that the news circulating in the media regarding Mohammad Amir being issued a warning from the team management for showing displeasure over dropped catches on his bowling is baseless. It is to mention here that the news is devoid of facts. It is absolutely concocted as no such warning was issued.”

Pakistan have now reached Canberra where they will play a three-day side game before the first of three Tests against Australia, starting in Brisbane from December 15.