Mohammed Hafeez Protects Mohammed Amir from crowd sledging

Pakistani fast bowler Mohammed Amir made his first appearance for the national side since June 2010. The beleaguered fast bowler’s infamous ‘no ball’ incident clearly had not been forgotten by the Wellington crowd.

Despite picking up a decent 3/28, Pakistan ended up on the losing side, losing the game by 70 runs. However, that was certainly not the only thing bothering the fast bowler. As Amir was about to charge in to bowl his first ODI delivery in almost 6 years on the pacy Basin reserve wicket, the Wellington crowd began to taunt him.

The taunt had an immediate effect on Amir as his return delivery was marked by a wide. Clearly disturbed and troubled, the senior players of the Pakistan side came to his rescue. One of the most prominent of the players was Mohammed Hafeez. The former Pakistan skipper has previously had a strong disliking toward the inclusion of the 23-year-old Amir.

Hafeez went on to report the incident to the Pakistan team’s security in-charge and requested the ground staff to intervene.

This act is significant simply due to the intervention of Mohammed Hafeez. The 35-year old has previously voiced his disagreement over Amir’s selection. The first time came when Hafeez and skipper Azhar Ali boycotted the national camp due to the inclusion of Mohammed Amir, stating that it tarnished ‘the image of Pakistan cricket’.

The second time Hafeez took a strong stand against Amir was when he turned down a reportedly ‘lucrative’ offer to play in the star-studded Bangladesh Premier League.

However, his act of support at the Basin Reserve proved to pundits and fans alike that Hafeez and Amir have indeed turned over a new leaf.