Amir gets reprieve, vows to return as a reformed player

Dubai, January 29

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir vowed to put behind a spot-fixing scandal and return as a reformed player after the International Cricket Council (ICC) gave him an early reprieve on Thursday for a return to domestic cricket.

“This is the best day of my life as the last five years have been a big lesson for me,” Amir said. “I don’t just want to get back as a top cricketer but also as a better human being who has reformed.”

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Amir were all banned for spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010, particularly for bowling deliberate no-balls by pre-arrangement during the fourth Test at Lord’s.

The trio, who also served jail sentences in Britain, were given minimum five-year bans by an ICC tribunal while Butt was also given a two-year suspended sentence.

“I need just a month or so to get back to match fitness but it is yet to be decided when and with which team I will resume playing cricket,” Amir said.

With the first class matches in Pakistan over this season, Amir only has the possibility of either playing the non-first class Grade two tournament or in the super eight T20 event after the World Cup.

“I promise I will not disappoint them and I will try to allay their concerns with my behaviour and performance on the field. I am also ready to play my role in helping players understand why it is important to play cricket according to its spirit.”

Amir’s five-year ban was scheduled to expire on Sept. 2 but ICC’s anti-corruption unit (ACSU) chairman Ronnie Flanagan exercised his discretion to allow him to return to domestic cricket with immediate effect. — Reuters