Stuart Broad has insisted he won't have any issues playing against Muhammad Amir should the convicted spot-fixer make his test return at Lord's next month.
Lord's was the venue six years ago when left arm pacer Amir and two Pakistan team-mates were involved in the deliberate bowling of no-balls as part of a newspaper 'sting' operation to demonstrate the trio's willingness to take part in spot-fixing.
A teenager at the time and one of world cricket's undoubted rising stars, Amir was sent to jail by an English court and banned from all cricket world wide for five years.
He has now served that ban and,unlike 2010 Pakistan Captain Salman Butt and fellow pace-man Mohammad Asif,Amir has now been included in the squad for a four-test series starting at Lord's on July 14.
Broad speaking at an event organised by England sponsor Hardy's wine on Monday,said: "I don't think any feelings will be dragged into this test match from that one.There are only four players in (this) England team from then, and Pakistan had a huge change-over.So, I don't think any ill feeling or negativity will have carried through.For quality of bowler,I don't think there is much doubt that he is up there with anyone.I haven't played him for six years,but in 2010 he was a constant threat and man of the series.It swung around the corners for him."
He further added that,"Spectators at the home of cricket may not welcome Amir back with open arms."
Pakistan ODI Captain Azhar Ali has said that his side will be committed to qualifying directly for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 after 2019 after putting strong performance in the ICC Champions Trophy,which will be played in the summer next year.
"The ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is a crucial event for us,where 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.
The tournament scheduled was announced at The Oval exactly a year before the first ball will be bowled in the tournament,in which a total of 15 matches-including three knockout games will be played over two and half weeks.
"A lot of ODI cricket 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 challenge,"the Pakistan ODI Skipper said,"he is hoping that his team would work out its weakness in time to win the trophy."
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,"he said."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.
