Mohammad Amir Will be Under Intense Scrutiny in New Zealand Tour: Ramiz Raja

Pakistan's former Test captain Ramiz Raja feels Mohammad Amir will be under tremendous pressure when he makes a comeback to international cricket in the limited-overs series against New Zealand. (Mohammad Amir Named in Pakistan Squad For New Zealand Series)

Amir was recalled to the Pakistan's Twenty20 and One-day squads on Friday by the national selectors after he served a five-year ban and jail term for his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal. (Mohammad Yousuf, Ramiz Raja Exchange Coarse Words on Mohammad Amir Issue)

Ramiz has strongly opposed allowing Amir back into the Pakistan team. But on Friday he said he was not surprised at Amir being picked in both squads. (Pakistan Coach Waqar Younis Excited Over Mohammad Amir Return)

"I am not surprised once the cricket board had taken a policy decision to give Amir a second chance. But we have to see how he performs because there will be lot of pressure on him and everything he does will be scrutinised. We have to see what is his form in international cricket," Ramiz said.

"The thing is that cricket has advanced a lot since he (Amir) last played in international cricket. ODIs and Twenty20 cricket have changed a lot and we have to see how he adopts to the changed scenario now."

The former Test opener felt Amir had been fast-tracked back into the national team because of his undeniable talent.

Ramiz, however, expressed surprise at the selectors' decision to omit left-arm pacer Muhammad Irfan from the national Twenty20 squad. "I am surprised at Irfan not being in Twenty20 squad. I would pick him in both formats since he is a match winner," he added.

He also questioned the selectors' decision to pick only two specialist openers in the squads as he noted that conditions in New Zealand were seaming and it would have been better to have a proper back-up opener in the side.