Former Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq believes that Pakistan will find things difficult during the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand especially due to the absence of, skipper and star batsman, Babar Azam.

While talking to media in Lahore, Inzamam cited examples of India and West Indies, who were comprehensibly beaten by New Zealand at home, while warning the Men in Green.  

“It will be difficult for Pakistan because he [Babar Azam] is the captain and main player of the side,” said Inzamam. “Pakistan team are heading into the Test series after playing the T20I series and also winning the last match. So, I’m hopeful that the team will put up a good show.”

“New Zealand in New Zealand are very tough team to beat. We saw how they beat India [earlier this year] and West Indies recently. Pakistan will have to work hard and play good cricket inorder to win the Test series,” he added.

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He also opened up on the sudden retirement of pacer Mohammad Amir, from international cricket, after reservations with Pakistan team management.

“Amir is a good player and his absence his affect the side. But we have other bowlers as well, who are doing well,” he said. “Such incidents should not take place in Pakistan cricket and this is more important for me as compared to how it affects our bowling strength. A player should not leave cricket in such a manner, after having served Pakistan cricket, as it doesn’t look good.”

“If Amir had any issues with Waqar [Younis], he should have talked with Misbah [ul Haq] and if that didn’t work he should have approached the PCB. If the issue remained after this, then he had the right to take such a decision,” he said. “It’s unfortunate to see a player retire just because he was unhappy with one person.”