Imran Khan: If criminals can run the country why can’t Amir play cricket?

Published December 28, 2015
“It is irrational that someone who has completed his sentence is opposed on his return.” — Reuters/file
“It is irrational that someone who has completed his sentence is opposed on his return.” — Reuters/file

KARACHI: Legendary Pakistan allrounder Imran Khan said he backs convicted spot-fixer Mohammad Amir's return to international cricket, urging sceptical players and fans to support the tainted paceman.

The 23-year-old Amir, who completed his five-year ban earlier this year, caused a stir last week when he turned up for fitness camp for prospective national players, with former Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez and current one-day captain Azhar Ali boycotting training Friday.

Left-armer Amir is tipped to be selected for next month's limited-overs tour of New Zealand, almost six years after he and two others were banned and sentenced to six months in jail for arranging deliberate no-balls during a Test against England in exchange for money.

Khan, who led Pakistan to its only World Cup victory and is revered among the country's cricketing fraternity, said Amir had pleaded guilty before a court and deserved another chance.

“A 19-year-old [Amir was actually 18 at the time] boy commits a mistake and then did not lie in the court, confesses his guilt and completes his punishment, he should play again,” Khan said in an interview on news channel ARY.

“He has apologised to everyone so I appeal to all those who are opposing his return to stop their moves against him,” he added.

Khan, a former Pakistan captain turned opposition party leader, did not miss an opportunity to swing a punch at Pakistan's leaders in the interview.

“Criminals are running the country, so it is irrational that someone who has completed his sentence is opposed on his return,” he said.

Before Amir's ban, Khan had described him as “the hottest property in international cricket”, while another legendary paceman, Wasim Akram, said Amir was better than him at age 18.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) meanwhile has asked former captain Shoaib Malik to take Amir under his wing in the forthcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), a Twenty20 league where both will play for the Karachi Kings.

The league is set to feature international stars like Chris Gayle and Kevin Pietersen and will be held in the UAE in February.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...