Mohammad Amir vows to win back doubting fans

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Mohammad Amir vows to win back doubting fans

Agencies Published September 2, 2015

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KARACHI: Disgraced Pakistan paceman Mohammad Amir issued a public apology to fans and players on Wednesday as his five-year ban for spot-fixing expired, vowing to make a fresh beginning.

The 23-year-old is eligible to return to all levels of cricket from Wednesday, along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, who were also banned for their part in the notorious 2010 Lord's spot-fixing scandal.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) kicked them out of the game for five years for orchestrating deliberate no-balls in return for money during a Test against England. They were also jailed by a British court.

Amir, who has repeatedly voiced contrition for the scandal, said sorry once again.

“I sincerely apologise to everyone I have hurt -- my colleagues, my fans, family and my country,” he said in a statement.

“I will never be able to explain how much I regret the mistake I made at the promising start of my career. I disappointed my teammates and seniors who expected much better from me.”

A precocious talent, Amir graduated to play for Pakistan aged just 17 in 2009 and received widespread sympathy from across the cricketing world at the time of his ban.

Partly because of his youth and naivety, the ICC earlier this year allowed him to return early to domestic cricket.

He featured in Grade-II cricket in April, taking an impressive 22 wickets in four matches before getting injured.

Amir said he wanted to win over doubting fans through his performances.

“I am not sure if I can ever be truly forgiven but I hope to win your trust and love with my upcoming performances. I believe this will be the best way to redeem the past,” he said.

“No matter how sorry I feel I can't change the past. What I can do is start fresh and make a cleaner and brighter history, for myself and for Pakistan.”

Former players were divided on whether the three players should be allowed to play for Pakistan again.

While former captains Ramiz Raja and Rashid Latif vociferously opposed the tainted trio's return to the national side, pace legends Wasim Akram, Imran Khan and Shoaib Akhtar advocated a second chance.

Amir said he has set small goals for himself and is not targeting an early return to international cricket.

Before banned, Amir had taken 51 wickets in 14 Tests and 25 in 15 one-day internationals. He also had 23 wickets in 18 Twenty20 matches.

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altaf

Sep 02, 2015 05:26pm

you got greedy but we forgive you!

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Saleem

Sep 02, 2015 05:29pm

Give Amir a chance. Humans make mistakes, and everyone deserved a chance.

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KARACHI WALA

Sep 02, 2015 05:35pm

I hope you really mean what you said.

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ABID ALI

Sep 02, 2015 05:38pm

Its a bid tough for the Pakistan Team to accept him. However, everyone came to know that he was innocent but he was wise enough to involve in a million dollar game.

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Dr Ahmad - Melbourne

Sep 02, 2015 05:40pm

Australian media will eat you alive, if you do play cricket in Australia, and corrupts are not welcome here. Better start a chappal kebab shop in Peshawar than playing cricket.

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MAK

Sep 02, 2015 05:40pm

All three should be allowed to play as they already went through their punishment...Hope for them best specially to Amir..

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Pakistan

Sep 02, 2015 05:43pm

He didn't commit a murder, people who are looting this country are back running it again and again. Doesn't Islam teaches us to forgive and a he has done his time and he was only a teenager, he deserves a second chance. Sorry but ramiz and rashid are no experts, why don't they help with batting and keeping..all talk and no action.

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fida USA

Sep 02, 2015 05:44pm

Kid and now a young man has repeatedly apologized for his error to the nation and paid his dues by spending his youth in the jail. Now is the time for the nation to give there blessing to the young man so that he can pursue his cricketing carrier, the only profession he knows. Regarding Rameez Raja, his past of maligning Pakistan cricket to please his foreign sponsors has tainted his image in Pakistan and therefore he himself should apologized to the nation.

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mani

Sep 02, 2015 05:49pm

Welcome back amir. We can sense you are changed and matured man. Yes Aamir's devastating and thunderstorm bowling will irk the big 3. The real show begins now. Those who oppose his come back should understand that they also have to seek GOD forgiveness.

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Asif Nadeem

Sep 02, 2015 05:50pm

Out of the Three, I like this guy and would like to be forgiven. Only and only because, of his attitude and mindset. He came out early with apology which takes guts even if it may be just a tactic. He came back, kept hismelf out of media frenzy, unline other two. Some news here and there about him joining back school and academy where he started to keep himself fit. and again he says he is only going to come up through performance and does not eye national selection but baby steps. Obviously, he seems mature, and has a positive aura about him.

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NoFame

Sep 02, 2015 05:51pm

I think all these trio should be kept away from our national team as a lesson for the upcoming players. We need to be harsh here - if we want our future game clean and transparente.

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Sense

Sep 02, 2015 05:52pm

Actions speak louder than words,btw good PR move

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IFTIKHAR KHAN

Sep 02, 2015 05:53pm

First time his apology look sincere. What was given 5 yrs ago wasn't.

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karachite

Sep 02, 2015 05:56pm

Do you realize because of you, how Pakistani nation and especially cricket team went through. Everywhere in whole world there was a news about you. How people were looking Pakistani people who r working abroad.

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stranger

Sep 02, 2015 05:57pm

Of the three, Amir should be given a chance. No to the other two.

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Bilal

Sep 02, 2015 05:58pm

Thoses cricketers like Ramiz Raja who oppose him should first apologise themselves. Ramiz has never been neutral, instead he has always pleased foreigner sponsors to tarnish PCB image. Amir has apologised and should be given another chance.

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Mumtaz Baig

Sep 02, 2015 06:02pm

Don't worry about the people who are doubting you. That is their job to hide their own sins. No body is perfect. You made a mistake and have been fairly punished. You are like a new born person. Just go and do good for yourself and for the country. We are waiting for you.

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Mumtaz Baig

Sep 02, 2015 06:03pm

@altaf who are you to forgive anyone. Amir is a great cricketer and will continue as a great cricketer without your forgiveness. You must first seek forgiveness for yourself. May be your crimes have not yet been lime lighted.

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Sep 02, 2015 06:07pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne care hoots what aussies think and say. Remember Shane warne and another of their players shared pitch info before the match which was not allowed and Warne banned for failing dope test?

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Mumtaz Baig

Sep 02, 2015 06:08pm

@MAK yes

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Mumtaz Baig

Sep 02, 2015 06:11pm

@mani Very well said. Infact those are opposing him may have committed crimes hidden from us. I wonder what is bothering them. These are the people who call others thieves and themselves Sharifs.

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Talha

Sep 02, 2015 06:14pm

Aamir is the only one who is truly remorseful and doing whatever he can to be a good human being. He fully deserves a second chance.

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Sami

Sep 02, 2015 06:19pm

Give hima break! He made a mistake and he served his punishment. He was just a kid at the time... Still is. Which one of you can say that they have never made a mistake?

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Tanweer Khan

Sep 02, 2015 06:24pm

In a country of 180 Million people, do we REALLY not have any alternatives. Cricket is a team game - and team morale counts for a lot. This begins with trust, and these three forfeited that long time ago. You can forgive for sure - but rebuilding trust takes years. Unlike forgiveness, which is instant, there is no physiological process by which you can gain trust. It is usually a very gradual and incremental approach. Remember, England discarded their best player last year - simply because the rest of the team had no trust in him any more. And he wasn't even a convicted criminal. If you do bring these three back - please remember you will be legitimising corrupt practices for future generations to come. Is that really what the country needs right now - Corrupt Cricketers? If as a society, we are happy to have corrupt cricketers, then we should also accept corrupt politicians and not ask for Naya Pakistan - In fact we should then just accept Corruption as a way of life.

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Talha

Sep 02, 2015 06:27pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne Did the Australian media eat Shane Warne and Mark Waugh after John the bookmaker controversy? Both of them never showed regret for their actions, at least not on great scale like what Aamir is doing now. Shane Warne and Mark Waugh have been commentating on international and the Big Bash level. Neither did the two Australians setup a chappal kebab shop in Sydney or Melbourne. Aamir will InshAllah make a comeback and he will not only win the hearts of cricket loving people with his performances but also a simple human being too. In fact, Aamir will InshAllah help us win a test series in Australia for the first time.

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Mark

Sep 02, 2015 06:28pm

He needs to apologize by name to all senior players playing now before when he was banned

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Sami

Sep 02, 2015 06:28pm

Welcome back Amir! You are a good kid! Don't let some of these people get to you. It seems like Pak has more cruel and heartless people than most other nations. These people don't know a lick about the religion they try to defend (as if it needs defending). They know not the meaning of understanding, kindness, compassion and forgiveness.

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Abdulla Hussain

Sep 02, 2015 06:33pm

Please don't use the word disgrace because we have many such big-shot who enjoyed the cool breeze of the jail sometime for corruption etc. They are no more referred to as "disgraced"

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Hasan

Sep 02, 2015 06:38pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne Do a youtube search on "most disgraceful moment in cricket" and then come back here with your lectures about Australian integrity. My point is that all countries have their share of cheats and crooks, and people like you are in no position to show moral superiority, just because like me you've been privileged with a life overseas. If you want to point the finger, perhaps you could bear in mind that Pakistani cricketers are the most poorly paid out of all the test nations - something that remains a threat to the future of every other promising young talent there even now. Hasan

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Uzair Latif

Sep 02, 2015 06:38pm

I agree with the last part that if he must return, he should do so by climbing the ladder again from the beginning towards international cricket. If he proves worthy, he'll be able to make it and it would not be unfair to others.

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Arslan

Sep 02, 2015 06:52pm

At last they agreed, that they have done some damage. Were they sleeping for all that time, or enjoying the money they earned from betting.

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Philosopher (from Japan)

Sep 02, 2015 06:55pm

Has he donated all fraudulent money on CHARITY. If not so then asking apology means start of a new project of money minting legally or illegally.

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JHK

Sep 02, 2015 07:01pm

Learn to forgive ! If you want to be forgiven.

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ProudPakistani

Sep 02, 2015 07:12pm

No one is an angel and an honest apology should be accepted. Give them a fair chance, on merit. Note to editor : They have had their fair share of punishment. Writing 'Disgraced' every time their name is mentioned might not help them and others to improve their image, so perhaps you can be bit kind and drop this word in future :-)

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Imran Khan

Sep 02, 2015 07:19pm

Amir, you've done a big mistake and to me you've got your punishment. Don't listen to so-called cricket pundits. Time for you to perform and redeem yourself. Btw, no one has right to deny someone their basic right to earn livelihood.

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Fahad

Sep 02, 2015 07:20pm

My question is how are you going to react and perform under the pressure of crowds, media and players. No matter how clean you become, you will always be remembered as a cheat & fixer. Every Wide or No Ball you will bowl, every catch you will drop, every misfield that happens will point fingers towards you not being incompetent but as a Fixer/Gambler/Cheat. Mark my words people even if they are back in National side they can't stay with all these odds. PCB plz grow a spine and reject the players who bring disgrace to Pakistan.

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Kashif

Sep 02, 2015 07:21pm

If arshad can drive taxi to survive then why not Amir ??

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Ahmed

Sep 02, 2015 07:28pm

Dont sell patients for your misdeeds

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Dr. M.H. KESHVANI

Sep 02, 2015 07:31pm

Yes, Amir did a wrong thing for which he was punished and was sent to jail as well. He has issued an apology also. If he comes to the form, I don't see why he shoukd not be given a second chance,

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AXH

Sep 02, 2015 07:33pm

It is a shame what people like Ramiz Raja are trying to do to Aamir just because they have access to the media. And now, someme like Tanvir Ahmed is also issuing damaging statements to protect his own career. It becomes PCB's responsibility to give a level of comfort to Aamir by issuing an open statement in his favor. If not then what was the point of expediting his return.

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Ali Khudadad

Sep 02, 2015 07:39pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Secondly he has had his sentence. Thirdly ICC has allowed them to come back to cricket. Therefore we dont give a toss to what Austrailian Media thinks. We know Amir is a talent and can play for years.

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Save Pakistan

Sep 02, 2015 07:43pm

We have tried, tried and re-tried so many people in life then might as well give him an extra chance.

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zeze

Sep 02, 2015 07:52pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne As though Australian cricket is insanely pure. Make a good return Amir!

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Irfan Babar

Sep 02, 2015 07:54pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne I am confused. Did they not welcome Warne back with open arms.

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Shujaat Khan

Sep 02, 2015 08:07pm

We keep on electing politicians who have never apologized for their blunders past and present . This kid is looking for redemption send him on the right path and let him play.

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Ben

Sep 02, 2015 08:21pm

Your greed and dishonest ways costs us immensely. I believe that you do not deserve a second chance. I write this with a lot of sadness but I do believe that Pakistan will do just fine without you being part of the team.

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Sarah

Sep 02, 2015 08:34pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne Does that rule apply for Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist or they are exempted due to them being Australian? Does that rule apply to Srinivasan and Suresh Raina or they have different set of laws? Before making comment think twice.Marlon Samuel has been playing for West Indies and also in Australia.I believe fear of facing Amir is making every one getting anxious.

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ashrafzaida

Sep 02, 2015 08:35pm

The trio of three should voluntarily come out and denote the money earned through "fixing" to some charity to show their remorse.

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Imran A.

Sep 02, 2015 08:53pm

Amir's case was good until Asif and Salman were added to the list. The duo are hurting him again, but in a different way. Leave this kid alone. As for the unforgiving people, find someone else to vent out your hatred towards humanity.

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Mariya

Sep 02, 2015 08:56pm

I think he should be given a chance..he was mislead by his seniors who should never have the chance to come back..he was young and this should help him learn from his mistake ...

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Sarah

Sep 02, 2015 08:59pm

@Irfan Babar You forgot they belong to so called Big 3 so law is not applicable to them.

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shahid Usa

Sep 02, 2015 09:24pm

Give Amir a chance but not two others

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shahid Usa

Sep 02, 2015 09:27pm

The picture here in Dawn, is it Amir if yes bring him on its a b ig change

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Rashid Ishaq

Sep 02, 2015 09:30pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne What are you talking about while living in Melbourne. Have you forgotten that Mark Waugh and Shane Warne kept playing for long till their retirement after being involved and confessed to match-fixing. Get yourself updated Dr Ahmad

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neo

Sep 02, 2015 09:33pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne - You do know Warne and Mark Waugh were saved for providing pitch and weather information....... this is wot were told about their association.. Cricket has much corruption; if Amir performs - nothing else will matter....

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Rashid Ishaq

Sep 02, 2015 09:35pm

@ND Mark Waugh was another culprit if you want to remind Dr Ahmad and Warne and Waugh, the two Aussie W's completed their career after being involved in crime

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Citizen

Sep 02, 2015 10:09pm

Justice Qayum gave Waseem Akram a chance without penalizing him. His offence is not as big as others still playing in other countries with only slap on hand. This kid deserve a second chance, period!

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Ahmad

Sep 02, 2015 10:10pm

I can't understand the logic of people suggesting to punish him beyond what he was sentenced to. He has already served a jail term & a 5 years ban for the offence he made and always shown his regrets for what he did. Should someone who is fined for parking a car inappropriately be banned for life from driving a car? and that too at the popular demand of people?

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Danish

Sep 02, 2015 10:11pm

No mercy for corrupts who sell national honour. Find some other job for yourself.

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Cricket Fan

Sep 02, 2015 10:13pm

News should refer to them as "solo" and "duo".. Salman and Asif are real cons. Poor Amir is getting more bad rep than he deserves by being counted in this "trio"

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Shahid

Sep 02, 2015 10:14pm

This is not a murder case. People make mistakes. Some big, some small. As long as they learn. We need to be a bit forgiving. They have served their punishment. Let them focus on what they are good at. Else we will have 3 more lost and frustrated souls walking our streets.

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Shehz

Sep 02, 2015 10:22pm

First deserve, then desire.

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Arsalan Musharraf

Sep 02, 2015 10:31pm

You have really ashamed us. I still remember when I was travelling by tube in London and the English man was reading that news in Metro newspaper, he gave me that horrible look several times while reading that news.... I really felt ashamed that day...

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Cricket Fan

Sep 02, 2015 10:53pm

Amir has raised the bar high with this selfie. Can't wait to see Salman's selfies!

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Nadeem

Sep 02, 2015 11:16pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne While I agree that press in Australia and England can be hostile, lets not forget that Australia had their own issues - Mark Waugh and Shane Warne accepting money from a bookmaker in the 90's and later Shane Warne getting banned for a doping offence. In both cases the players in question were forgiven quite quickly and continued their careers.

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Aaqil

Sep 02, 2015 11:46pm

No Amir no......please have mercy on this nation.

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Expat

Sep 02, 2015 11:51pm

People who sympathize with The trio tend to forget that they have disgraced the name of the country. They can do anything in personal capacity but no one has given them right to play with the country's honor and dignity. With them coming back to the team would teach kids that it's ok to foul play.

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mp321

Sep 03, 2015 12:04am

So if a corrupt judge was caught, jailed for few years and is now reinstated a judge and he is going to preside your case, you would be ok? Would you be ok knowing that your opposition is ready to spend a lot of money to win the case. I am sure you have full faith in justice system and afterall the judge was punished for his crime and he will be fair to you. Or will he sell himself again and the case will prove you guilty?

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mp32351

Sep 03, 2015 12:07am

@Talha : Err Wasim/Waqar/and Shoaib together combined could not win a series in Aus. And you think a out of touch Amir will win singlehandedly a series in Aus. What do you think Amir is ??? Clark Kent ???Bruce Wayne??

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raj

Sep 03, 2015 12:17am

No matter what people say the future of these guys is doomed.

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Sara Khan

Sep 03, 2015 12:36am

Thieves must be punished... none of these crooks deserve another chance... its bad for Pakistan, its bad for cricket.

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Ailly

Sep 03, 2015 01:19am

if we keep on bickering about a crime for which they have already completed their punishment then we may see, very sooner, Amir applying for some other nationality and he will be automatically selected in any other team. shame on all of us who are trying to stop Amir from playing cricket. Ramiz clean the house as you were the whistle blower for this farce else I will go on every social media and launch a campaign against you on every front .... including your commentary panel as all I need to do is to just support Holding and you will be hiding endlessly... so troubleshoot now before its late.

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Realistic

Sep 03, 2015 01:23am

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne; You must be an angel living on this earth - never did anything wrong whole of your life, right??? Amir is a human being and human beings are capable of making mistakes and he paid the heavy price for that. Just to let you know, who gives a damn to your Australian media or anything else there. Amir will be back sooner or later, that is for sure and better don't watch those games!!!

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Bismillah Khan

Sep 03, 2015 02:46am

What this poor kid did is no more than what most of us do on a regular basis in our professions. At least he admits his mistake and has paid very dearly, missing five years of what could have been the prime time of his career. He definitely deserves a second chance.

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Faisal

Sep 03, 2015 03:56am

Plz don't repeat the same mistake again. Don't allow them . We gave lot other telent

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Tehsin

Sep 03, 2015 05:19am

Amir must be given fair chance

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Javed shafi

Sep 03, 2015 05:30am

I am sorry this is not acceptable.Zero tolerance.should not be allowed.bad for the new youngsters and the team.it will be a bad example.

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B.Ally

Sep 03, 2015 06:18am

Amir you breached the trust of the Nation. You used to deny your crime on daily basis. I heard you on TV that you have done nothing wrong and you will sue all those who put a blame on you. You finally confessed your come when under law you had no escape. You cheated your playmates, you cheated every one else. You lied . I am not going to trust you. You coming back to the team shall be reward to dishonesty. Surely you served your term. That was your punishment, though lighter one but it was not a redemption.you better do farming in your village in my dear Potohar.

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Ameer Hamza

Sep 03, 2015 06:55am

I'd second another chance. He has paid the price and willing to begin an unblemished career. Good day Amir.

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amir

Sep 03, 2015 08:41am

Bad role model for youth, including patients. Sports persons tend to be among the best examples for youth. Such so-called sports persons bring disgrace to the phrase; "sportsman spirit". Punishments should always be completed, otherwise they will not be taken seriously-moreover, the purpose will be lost.............. !

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MAK

Sep 03, 2015 09:04am

@Pakistan You are right about trio, you are also right about Ramiz as he just talks & even in talking in commentary he never supports Pakistani players..but for Rashid i don't agree as there are number of talent comes through his academy & he has been doing a lot for Pakistan cricket.however this is his first opinion which i disagree..all the three players should be allowed to play for PAK for them and their families...

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Zahid

Sep 03, 2015 10:06am

@mp32351 Wasim Akram is an absolute legend and a great Pakistani hero. He has termed Aamir "a rare talent" and said that Aamir was more clever than him at 18. In face even the legendary IK has said in the past that Aamir was more talented than Wasim bhai. Plus the days when Wasim, Waqar and Shoaib were playing, the Australian team was at its very best and not so these days. Aamir still has to prove a lot and is nowhere near the legends. However, he has the hunger to redeem himself from his past mistakes and live up to his true potential so I believe in Aamir.

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ABL

Sep 03, 2015 10:21am

Dear Amir, welcome back. I suggest you to stay calm, and away from the media, as they need spicy news, which makes the going tough. The best suggestion is to stay focus and perform. Trust me, any player (however corrupt) has been welcomed by this nation when he is performing. Performance is your answer to all criticism. And we all have trust in you, that you will soon become the best pace bowler this country has ever produced. You have at least a decade of playing competitive cricket.

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Dr Ahmed

Sep 03, 2015 02:24pm

Amir you have integrity. Good luck. There is always a door opened for forgiveness .

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Tanweer Khan

Sep 03, 2015 03:19pm

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Tariq

Sep 03, 2015 05:38pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne Shane Warne was also involved with bookmakers and also accepted receiving money in return for "pitch and weather information". He still appear regularly on Australian and international media.

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