LAHORE: Ignoring his critics, fast bowler Mohammad Amir says he has received a new lease of life after the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced relief in his five-year ban, allowing him first to play domestic cricket before joining international game later this year.

Amir, who was approached by media immediately after the ICC announced its decision on Thursday morning, thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its support in his case before the world governing body. His international ban ends in September this year.

Though Amir in his word of thanks did not name ex-PCB chairman Najam Sethi, it is no secret that it was Sethi who taking the initiative submitted the young bowler’s case before the ICC to get relief for him in his ban from international cricket.

In 2011, Amir, fellow fast bowler Mohammad Asif and then captain Salman Butt were banned by the ICC for their involvement in a spot-fixing scandal — featuring delivering deliberate no-balls — that erupted during Pakistan’s fourth and final Test against England at Lord’s in 2010.

For Amir, Thursday’s decision brought a huge change in his life.

“It’s the most significant news [for me],” he said. “It was the most difficult phase of my life but I am sure it’s over now and I am keen to return to international grounds.”

The bowler sounded confident to give a strong return.

“Yes people are crying against this ICC decision but I do not care about that, instead I am looking forward to focusing on my cricket,” Amir stated. “I have completed my punishment and I will give the critics reply with my performance [on the field].

“I don’t just want to get back as a top cricketer but also as a better, reformed human being. And if anyone has any problems with my return I am sure he will change his views with my [changed] character and good performances,” the 22-year-old expressed.

Amir said many departments had contacted him offering him employment, adding he would decide after consulting the PCB.

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

To a question, Amir vowed fans and his colleagues in the Pakistan team would find him a different man, claiming he had learnt a lot from the spot-fixing saga. “I am also ready to play my role in assisting players to understand why it is significant to compete in cricket according to its spirit.

“No-balls and wides are part of the game, so I cannot guarantee that I will not bowl those again in future,” Amir said while responding to a question.

Meanwhile, Asif welcomed Amir’s return to cricket, adding he was also making efforts to return to the game.

In a chat with Dawn, Asif said so far the PCB had not started his rehab programme -- essential to get two-year relief from his seven-year suspension from international cricket.

Meanwhile, former Test leg-spinner Abdul Qadir criticised the ICC for what he termed its double standard in allowing Amir re-entry into cricket, insisting the law should be same for all.

“If the ICC has allowed Amir to return it should also give the same treatment to all others like Asif and Salman. Otherwise, the governing body should ban all for life,” Qadir reckoned, underlining that justice should be equal for all.

Agencies add: Meanwhile, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram, to whom Amir was compared, said it was right to give the youngster a second chance.

“A young boy committed a blunder and for that he has been punished,” Wasim told AFP by phone from Australia. “As a nation we must forgive as he has completed the rehab mandatory for banned players.

“We must adopt a ‘forget-and-forgive’ policy and Amir should also show that he is now a better human being.”

Former captain and classical Test batsman Mohammad Yousuf, meanwhile, said Amir should be welcomed again with “big heart”. “He has served his punishment and I believe he will be as much effective as he used to be,” Yousuf told a private TV channel. “It’s a good sign that such a talented player will be coming back. I hope he will not repeat his mistake.”

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2015

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