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KARACHI: Pakistan paceman Mohammad Amir could return to first-class cricket as early as next month after a relaxation of the conditions of his ban for spot-fixing, an official said on Friday.
Amir, 22, was banned for five years along with then-captain Salman Butt and fellow paceman Mohammad Asif in a spot-fixing case in England in 2010, and the trio were jailed by a UK court in 2011.
The paceman was interviewed in Lahore on Friday by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the governing body revised the players’ code of conduct in November last year, adding a provision that allows a banned player to play in domestic games a certain period prior to the end of the ban.
The change of rules prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to file an appeal with the ICC to relax certain conditions of Amir’s ban last year.
A final decision on Amir`s appeal will be taken in ICC Board meeting in Dubai next week.
A PCB spokesman confirmed Amir’s potential return.
“It is most likely that Amir will get reprieve to play domestic cricket,” said the spokesman Agha Akber.
PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan last week said Amir will be monitored in first-class cricket before returning to international cricket. His five-year ban expires in August this year.
The PCB has said that since the other two banned players -- Salman and Asif -- took time to plead guilty and have not completed a mandatory rehabilitation, their cases will not be taken up with the ICC.
Before the ban Amir was described as cricket’s “hottest property” by legendary Pakistan pace-man Imran Khan.
Published in Dawn January 24th , 2015
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Comments (25) Closed
Jan 24, 2015 10:13am
He should not
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Jan 24, 2015 10:26am
He has fulfilled his punishment and is a free man, soon. I think one can tolerate this young mans case due to his confession, public apology, young age, naivety and quite honestly he doesn't seem like a smart man and thus maniuptable. The other two I dont believe are remorseful nor should be allowed back. I also think the current player should state their opinion, Im guessing their thoughts may be parallel to mine.
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Jan 24, 2015 10:33am
@Tranquil - Well, who cares what you have to say.
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Jan 24, 2015 11:21am
One thing for sure. Once he returns people will forget Warner and kohli's. Such a talent he is.
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Jan 24, 2015 11:37am
PCB did the right thing by approaching ICC to try & get him to play international cricket. He has served the punishment for his wrong doings and a bowler like him is needed by the team. Good luck to him
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Jan 24, 2015 01:05pm
He should not be in the team. No matter how much we need him a player who brought shame and maligned cricket for handful of dollars; should be made an example for future generations of cricketers.
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Jan 24, 2015 02:20pm
Let us take a closer look at Aamir's case and his punishment, and compare it with what has been going on in the IPL, the international soccer (football) the doping in bicycling and the baseball, plus the latest scandal of tampered footballs in the American foot ball league.And we may have a better understanding of his position that given Aamir's age at the time of his crime, and since he has served time and paid his dues, he like all of us deserves a second chance to make some thing good out of his life.
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Jan 24, 2015 02:27pm
He sold his country no way in the world u should be playing for pakistan u do some crime people for give u but this case never he should be shame of him self just asking if he can play for pakistan.
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Jan 24, 2015 04:38pm
Some mistake are forgiven some not he should never be part of pak team
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Jan 24, 2015 05:43pm
@Canada
I agree with you.
He must be given a chance.
Every one can make mistakes in life or can be trapped.
There are many under the skin are or worst than Amir.
Luckily they managed to escape.Many are still in involved in wrongdoings.
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Jan 24, 2015 06:22pm
@Khalid - "He sold his country". Seriously? Just by bowling a no ball for money? At least he admitted it and got a severe punishment. The worse ones are those who have done fixing but were lucky not to get caught. You must be the only sinless person left!!!
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Jan 24, 2015 07:51pm
Those who sold the honour of PAKISTAN shouldn't be given any chance.He only made an apology.Did he returned any money? He is matured and confident now then he will betrayed again. Look at his living style before starting international bribe ( cricket).His average is less than 4 wickets in a test match and one day is no different.Why you are creating a hype.
We have honest players Junaid khan, tabish khan, mir hamza, zia ul haq, sohail khan and many more.No need for a traitor.
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Jan 24, 2015 10:02pm
Even our religion teaches us to forget if person has pleaded guilty and already requested to forgive him . I have lots of respect for Mr.Ramiz Raja but I do not agree with him about Amir' s front.Raja Sb, I am sure you remember our basic teachings, with all due respect.I think we should welcome Amir with open arms.
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Jan 24, 2015 10:56pm
Sad to see the PCB struggling to get this cheater back. I am sure Pak can produce fast bowlers who are much better and will not cheat.
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Jan 25, 2015 12:26am
false caption .......... it should read Amir Khan can start his first class cricket next month.
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Jan 25, 2015 12:27am
@Saa ... still better than shame what Sreesanth, Dhoni, Akram broght to cricket.
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Jan 25, 2015 12:30am
Ramiz, now you must not commentate in matches where he should be appearing... unless you have become like our PM. in other words am asking you to either support Amir or quit doing your commercial job on TV. and if you are on BCCI pay roll then always suspect his no balls and wides....
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Jan 25, 2015 12:36am
this guy is bound to ultimate glory in cricket.......... he will eclipse the memories of Wasim Akram.
Ramiz Raja you still intend to keep him away from Pak cricket ? particularly in the wake, since indian SC has forced Dhoni to resign in mid series and Sreesanth was banned. Shastri is suspect..... all of betting / fixing. so if you are on BCCI payroll then you may contest his re-selection in national squad.
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Jan 25, 2015 04:38am
WHAT A SHAME! This man sold his country, he should NEVER be allowed to play in the national team again.
Why don't we consider anything sacred? He brought shame and humiliation to the nation on international stage. How can we even consider him to be back in the team?
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Jan 25, 2015 05:28am
Ramiz Raja should read comments on this news item posted on Cricinfo and he will see how people have supported it.
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Jan 25, 2015 05:50am
This is the problem with our country, we always forget past easily and give second chances to the criminals. Nawaz Sharif, Zardari are clear examples. A criminal or corrupt individual should never be allowed to represent his country internationally. Amir should never be allowed to play international cricket again. There will always be a shadow of doubt if the team loses and Amir performs bad. Besides he brought disgrace to the whole nation and we want him to represent us again. NO WAY. Let him play domestic cricket only so that he can earn livelihood, cricket is the only thing he is qualified for.
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Jan 25, 2015 07:14am
Team player will be criticise him,and relation wid teammates is not going to normal..under pressure he will not perform well
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Jan 25, 2015 10:44am
I am an Indian..
I really admire this guy.
At an age of 17, no one can handle a pressure of being asked to throw a no ball by teams captain.. That was biggest ever no bal any1 can ball.. He was being pushed and trapped into it.. I don't think that he was just a lose to pak team.. World missed this talent..
We want him back..
I stand with Amir
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Jan 25, 2015 10:50am
Being an Indian.. I proudly say that, I am an amir fan.. Lot of cricket fans in India want him to give a come back to the cricketing world.. The miracle boy.. The gem of cricket.. We used to go crazy watching him bowl.. We missed him a lot lot lot.... A boy who was pushed into fixing world by his own captain at an age of 17.. He didn't ball that no ball to get money, captain trapped him to do it.. Amir had no options left.. And he bowled his first no ball, without any practice.. One feet no ball.. We want him back
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Jan 25, 2015 11:25pm
If he comes back. would any one suggest to him to get a decent hair cut ?
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