Amir’s return will strengthen Pakistan: Wasim Akram

E-Paper | April 24, 2026

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram on Wednesday endorsed the return of left-arm pace sensation Mohammad Amir to the Pakistan team.

“Amir has paid for his crime and must now be allowed back to the team. Amir’s return will strengthen Pakistan as he is currently the best bowler,” Akram, who is the ambassador of the Pakistan Super League, said on the sidelines of an exhibition squash match in Karachi.

The former Pakistan captain was of the opinion that Amir needed to feature in more first-class games to get back in the groove but put his weight behind the 23-year-old’s selection in the World T20 squad.

Akram echoed the words of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan who this week hinted that Amir may be considered for the series against New Zealand in January next year.

“Yes, we are looking at a him for this series and he could return to the national side on the tour.”

Earlier, former captain, Ramiz Raja, who is critical of the PCB’s sympathy towards tainted fast bowler, said that if he had powers to make a call on the matter, he would have never let the young fast bowler play again.

“Pakistan cricket has suffered a lot. I don’t have courage to face any more shocks or jolts again. I have experienced this practically and those who have witnessed such things practically can’t forgive the characters involved in the act,” Ramiz, who is the other ambassador of the PSL, said in an interview with DawnNews.

However, Pakistan coach Waqar Younis, who had a detailed discussion on Amir’s future with Shaharyar Khan last week, backed Amir and said “we are all on the same page” about the young fast bowler’s future in international cricket.

“[Amir] has served his punishment and he deserves to come back in the [cricketing] community and enhance his profession,” said Waqar.

Since his return, Amir has taken 22 wickets in a Grade II tournament before capturing an impressive 34 in the four qualifying matches of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy.

He then grabbed 17 wickets in Pakistan's premier first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam trophy.

In the Bangladesh Premier League, featuring for the Chittagong Vikings, Amir has picked up 14 wickets from 9 matches.

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Sport

Cricketer’s reinduction

I would have never let Amir play again: Ramiz Raja

Amir not ready for Pakistan return: Shaharyar Khan

KPK

Dec 09, 2015 02:14pm

Some one with sane voice in pakistan.

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Haider

Dec 09, 2015 02:15pm

Agreed! Wasim kept on playing after justice Abdul Qayum report so can Amir.

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KPK

Dec 09, 2015 02:15pm

We have pmls in politics and hafeez and raja at sports. We need education some serious education man.

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kash

Dec 09, 2015 02:18pm

Even the 2 psl ambassadors differ in their views. Amir should come back cos Wahab bowled a lot of tripe in a few odis and 2nd t20 vs England. Rameez has lost it, he is a boring commentator as well. I mean who says 19 without a wicket rather than 19 without loss or 19 for nought as sane commentators do. Its as if Rameez is lamabsting the bowling side for not taking a wicket. Rameez should also get a haircut to raise funds for psl.

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SOS

Dec 09, 2015 02:20pm

His return will also give confidence to the fixers, well what do you expect from a fixer for another fixer, its no secret how Akram accumulated his money!! No disregard to him being the finest left arm fast bowler ever to play but he was also one of the finest fixer to play and get away with it all at the right time with Moin etc hence his opinion here has no credibility!!

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Noman

Dec 09, 2015 02:21pm

At least someone talking sensibly... Unfortunately, current Pakistani team does not have any fast striking bowler. Wahab Riaz can give you wickets but at some expense and is not consistent. So we like it or not Amir is indeed a necessity for the team, and i don't think we have any star player/s right now in the team who has a right to object Amir. No one in the team is an automatic selection.

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Sixer from Chakwal

Dec 09, 2015 02:24pm

Good to see that real players who at their time were the game changers such as Waqar and Wasim are supporting the real talent Amir and others who were merely the contributors at their times such as Ramiz are opposing him

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Abrar-ul-Haque, USA

Dec 09, 2015 02:27pm

Here comes another sane voice which should carry lot of weight.

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irfan

Dec 09, 2015 02:28pm

Waqar is right. He has served his punishment. Period. BUT for Ramiz Bhai, my advice is to find out those cricketers of his time who sure were guilty but couldn't be proved guilty. What has Ramiz to say about those cricketers? I am sure its not hard to find them. They are now our legends. And one of the legend is backing Aamir now for his inclusion in the team.

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Waleed

Dec 09, 2015 02:30pm

I don't think anyone should have any problem with Aamir returning to National side merely to serve the Pakistan cricket and compensate its fan and the cricket in general for the grief it caused to all cricket lovers through his performance. However, those having problem with his probable inclusion seem to be putting their interest over the country's interest. Reason being, his inclusion shall have an impact on all players and those who have gotten complacent, would have to step up the game. Thereby leading more competition in the game.

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Riz

Dec 09, 2015 02:33pm

Let him play sir ge.

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Riz

Dec 09, 2015 02:33pm

He is best asset and he will make proud pakistan

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Sunny

Dec 09, 2015 02:44pm

You tell them Waz!

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Concerned Pakistani

Dec 09, 2015 02:56pm

Waseem is right. Aamir has served his punishment and learned his lessons for life. He deserves to come back. As for Ramiz where was he when his captain Imran khan was gambling over Pakistan matches in world cup 1992. He had no courage at that time to come out and tell the world so be quite now and let Aamir play.

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PHILOSOPHER (from Japan)

Dec 09, 2015 03:04pm

Brotherhood sympathy for same mate (Justice A.Q Report).

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Dr Riffat Jabeen

Dec 09, 2015 03:06pm

Chin up Amir! Don't pay attention to negative criticism. Concentrate on your performance. You can change your enemies into friends by your good behaviour and positive attitude.

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waqas

Dec 09, 2015 03:10pm

Dear Wasim Bhai, I last 5 years, Pakistan never loss a match due to bowling, its because of poor batting, I hope so our management will consider this side. however what i believe that Amir needs to correct his behavior in ground as well, It was pathetic how he behave after taking a wicket of Hafeez in BPL, remember Hafeez is most man of the match for Pakistan since last 5 years.

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Gaf

Dec 09, 2015 03:16pm

I totally agree. Not Playing Amir weakens Pakistan. There is no strike bowler currently who can take top order wickers at a regular rate, and he can bat a bit as well. No Pak fast bowler currently bats as well. If Amir damage Pakistan. By not playing him will damage and decline Pakistan's position as a top cricketing nation. If he doesn't preform, you can easily replace him. But surely he is a great bowler who will spearhead any world team. Amir should play in the current Pak A vs Eng A in Dubai and if India series comes off then he should be selected for that as well.

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Saeed Masood

Dec 09, 2015 03:28pm

Waseem Akram is hundred percent right...Amir is lethal for Pakistan...Pakistan needs Amir, we do not have a real fast bowler....PCB please don't waste time and train him immediately and get him ready urgent entry...

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Farhan Bhayani

Dec 09, 2015 03:36pm

I have one question from Wasim Akram: Would he consider re-hiring a maid who is once caught sexually abusing children even if she has served her time in prison and is excellent at her work and finding another one is difficult? I would be surprised if his answer is 'yes'.

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Mobin Asghar

Dec 09, 2015 03:37pm

Plz add him against india if sushma gives green signal for da series.

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chandragupta

Dec 09, 2015 03:41pm

He was only 18 when he did t crime, now he can not go back press undo button. Just give chance to the guy.

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Parvez

Dec 09, 2015 03:48pm

It is tragic that Wasim Akram didn't get punished for his crimes.

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Arifq

Dec 09, 2015 03:49pm

DISAGREE!! There is no bigger honor than to serve your country and when you abuse that privilege for personal gains then you forgo the right to wear the badge of honor! Imagine, Banks would not rehire someone who defrauds them and their clients, here we are talking of serving the country.

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Azhar Malik

Dec 09, 2015 03:55pm

Obviously Amir should be allowed to come back in the team. He was banned for five years and not for life.

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Saad

Dec 09, 2015 03:57pm

We are a nation that loves its heroes but we like to love our villains more.We tend to have a misplaced sense of sympathy for people who have been punished.Forgetting what they have done.He has served his punishment set by the ICC and served jail time in the UK for committing a fraud as has Asif(who is more talented).The other factor here is that he has not been punished by the PCB. He should have been banned for life by the PCB.No matter how much talent you have you do not deserve to be back in the side after the pain you have caused.People say he accepted his guilt, no he did not, he fought tooth and nail at the ICC investigation where the 5 yr punishment was announced but he accepted it at the court to reduce his sentence. Dont worry by the looks of things we will get him back and cheer him on until a few year down the line another mr. X does the same thing and we realize we should have punished Amir back then only to bring mr X back giving the same excuse we are giving for Amir now

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Outtay!!

Dec 09, 2015 04:21pm

Thank God, Rameez is not in a position of power to make a call in this matter :p

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Shaan

Dec 09, 2015 04:25pm

Agreed Amir was caught, agreed he committed a crime, but hasn't he already paid the price for it? He's been in the dog house for over 5 years, served jail time in a foreign prison, had to prove he had it in him after 5 years. By the way to his critiques, the motive of serving jail time is to reevaluate ones self, hence it is know as a 'Correctional Facility,' or 'Correctional Center' in developed nations. I am pretty sure after being in the dog house he has done some soul searching, and the first time offender has been corrected.

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Just here

Dec 09, 2015 04:48pm

After 5 years of ban Aamir is still a diamond.

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DKM

Dec 09, 2015 04:49pm

A question to all of you who support his return......... If you are the chief of a big organization and if a convict apply for the GM's job.....Will you hire him ??

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Saad

Dec 09, 2015 04:58pm

Everyone deserves a second chance in life but not a third one. He should be allowed and closely monitored. Undoubtedly he is the best what we have currently, his inclusion will certainly add some depth to our bowling.

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Adnan Mazher Khan

Dec 09, 2015 05:28pm

My dear countrymen. The politics of cricketing world suggest that Indian team will face difficulty in facing Aamir and they would keep him away. So, all of us should relax as Aamir will not be playing.

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Patriot

Dec 09, 2015 05:29pm

Dear Wasim, please put some sense in your colleague Mr so called Raja and also Mr Chairman!!

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Zakir

Dec 09, 2015 05:33pm

I don't understand comments of those who state that Amir should not play international cricket any more. Ramiz is talking with emotions and needs to understand the legal and justice system that govern our lives. Ramiz should feel free to quit his job if he does not like Amir playing again or not cover the match Amir will play in. Will Ramiz stop driving if he gets a traffic citation? Should anyone who commit a crime not be allowed to work anymore? What message will that send to those who want to reintegrate into the society and not commit a crime again. Amir has paid a price for his crime and that price was determined by competent authorities.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Dec 09, 2015 05:41pm

What a serious joke from a good fast bowler of yester years whose personal profile is also tainted with serious allegations of match fixing perpetuated through his family and friends in particular his brother?

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Shafiq

Dec 09, 2015 05:42pm

It is a crying shame that people have such disregard for those who bring the name of the country to disrepute. There are nearly 200 millions of Pakistanis and we are worrying about one tarnished. Why not go far new blood and from areas outside the big cities ?

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Ahsen

Dec 09, 2015 05:42pm

punishment served, he is no more a criminal. Let him live his life in peace.

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sid

Dec 09, 2015 05:51pm

Amir cant be compared to others. He was a teen ager. People commenting against his return should probably look back into their own lifes.

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Abdul Hameed

Dec 09, 2015 06:08pm

The tainted trio should not return to National side at any cost.

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AXH

Dec 09, 2015 06:14pm

@waqas - Sir, instead of criticizing Amir for his celebratory act, it is people like you who need to grow up. A good fast bowler puts everything into his spell and has every right to celebrate when he succeed. If he had gestured towards Hafeez then I would be with you but that was not the case. So, move on and stop criticizing just for the sake of criticism.

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Sami Ullah Swati

Dec 09, 2015 06:29pm

Pakistan have to set an example so that at some point in time we start believing in our values, otherwise we will end up hiring cheaters again and again to run all of our affairs (sports, government, etc.)....

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hassan

Dec 09, 2015 06:33pm

this speech proved tht pak team doesnt hav players who can win for pak...for long last 10 yrs pak couldnt produce a single player..shame...

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Ziauddin Shaikh

Dec 09, 2015 06:36pm

All the civilized world goes for rehabilitation of delinquints and offenders when they have served their time. Money has a lot of attraction when you are young and impressionable. Senior players should take a leaf out of Wasim Akram's book and show a bit of grace and understanding toward Aamir. I feel that it might soon be time to induct him into the fold. Shahryar Khan should also try and pacify the feeling around Aamir and act like a father figure.

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M.Saeed

Dec 09, 2015 06:43pm

When ICC bans our players we are flabbergasted. But, when ICC has cleared Amir and there is no barriers to cross for him to be a valuable asset to the national team, why people like Hafeez and Rameez are behaving more loyal than the king?

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Bilal

Dec 09, 2015 06:46pm

Agree !! he got punished and served it. He should be given second chance.

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Rishabh

Dec 09, 2015 06:57pm

@Adnan Mazher Khan brother even wasim and waqar were thrashed we thrashed Roberts, mcgrath, Johnson whenever needed so amir in no way can threaten, but definitely you can try to fix at the end of the day he will turn legend in your country like always

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Arju

Dec 09, 2015 07:00pm

@Noman, agree with you!

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Khalid Sheikh

Dec 09, 2015 07:03pm

I fully agree with Wasim Akram on Amir's inclusion in the team again as he has served his punishment with good behavior. He should be given a chance to earn back his honour and support.

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Dec 09, 2015 07:09pm

@Waleed Did he not put his interest over the country's interest. According to you, it is OK to include cheaters into your side if that what it takes to win? Really???? Is winning the ultimate goal or participating with pride. You would be playing with zero pride with cheaters on your side.

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Hangman

Dec 09, 2015 07:13pm

That is the difference between the great and an average. Waseem is the great and have a great heart while Rameez is simply an average guy who might have been forgotten after his retirement from cricket if he did not have some command over the English language. Just some command over the foreign language does not make someone smarter over others. Only the greats like Waseem can help the future of one great in making. I am still very surprised why Imran Khan is still quiet on this issue.

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Dec 09, 2015 07:17pm

@Saad Sadly our best are also best at cheating. No second chances when you have shamed your country. This is not any normal job. You are ambassadors for your country. You don't want anyone tainted on it. It is an image spoiler.

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Thuglife

Dec 09, 2015 07:34pm

Thanks wasim bhai for some sensible advice. Kindly also pass this to RAMIZ RAJA and Abdul qadir.

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Tariq Awan

Dec 09, 2015 07:38pm

We don't forgive if anybody is caught otherwise we worship criminal in Pakistan!

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Jonty Rhodes

Dec 09, 2015 07:55pm

I am amused to see how every single person is cheering for Amir's inclusion in the team. But people are saying this only because he is bowling well in BPL. If he would be not bowling well in BPL, then all these arguments of "he was young & immature", "he paid for his crime & shown remorse" would have been thrown out of the window& people would have called him "blot on Pakistan cricket" & "match fixer". This sudden respect for Amir is not because people have really forgiven him. It is only because 1) Pakistan is performing poorly in ODIs and T20s 2) Amir is bowling well in BPL. With that Pakistanis are hoping that Amir can bring them much needed success. But the fundamental approach is wrong because at the end of the day, he is only one player & can't do much if rest of the team is underperforming. Also, when he bowls to international players, he would be really tested. And if he performs badly there, I doubt how many who are calling for his comeback now would be there to support him.

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Imran A.

Dec 09, 2015 07:56pm

@WAQAS, you are right. Amir should not have shown any aggression towards Hafeez. I fear that the way he got him out, Hafeez may lose confidence in himself and we need Hafeez too. btw, when he took Misbah's wicket, he showed more aggression. I think he needs to humble himself because it is damaging to the self confidence of other players.

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Asim

Dec 09, 2015 08:13pm

Well Amir shouldn't be backnin the team as It will be good for the team and Pakistan. That may hurt Indias interests of systematically destroying Pakistans institutions, with lobbying, money and propoganda. Hence if Amit returns and Pak team start winning then many people in amangment may loose out on their pyouts. So please no Amir or any talened person in team or any where in Pak institutions. May be when he is 34 and slow then he can play at the expense of other talened youngsters at the time.

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Zulfiqar

Dec 09, 2015 08:30pm

I guess Amir returning means the end of the road for Hafeez!

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Dave

Dec 09, 2015 08:36pm

Respect for Wasim Bhai. I dont think any other ex-cricketer cares about the sport except for him. Although i would not want Amir to play against us Indians but at the same time a talent like his cant be denied a second opportunity.

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RIZ

Dec 09, 2015 08:48pm

Interesting to see how Ramiz and Wasim will work in PSL with totally different opinion for Amir return. Are we getting ready to watch another heating debate and media fight :)

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Dave

Dec 09, 2015 09:11pm

@Jonty Rhodes too many ifs and buts. Please except a talent for what it is. Personally you have a right to your opinion but at the same time dont be prejudiced and deny a talent a second chance.

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Muhammed Ali UK

Dec 09, 2015 09:11pm

@Jonty Rhodes If he was not playing well we would not need to show our support as his detractors would not be screaming blue murder, but he has done wrong and paid the price and is an asset to Pakistani cricket hence the support and backing.

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bali

Dec 09, 2015 09:28pm

Should be given a clear chance and reinducted .... He has served his punishment for the crime he committed.. So now what .. Shall he not be called back... The way he is terrifying with his lethal pace and delightful to watch deliveries in bpl ... Can easily and should be in the team back...

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Dr Riffat Jabeen

Dec 09, 2015 09:31pm

@Jonty Rhodes Unless and until he is given an opportunity, how can you criticise him and be judgemental for Amir's performance. No one is perfect, Mr Rhodes. How many cricketers have been punished so far from other cricket teams who were quite notorious ... And everybody knew about them. Amir deserves a second chance. Don't you worry, PCB knows well what to do?

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Dec 09, 2015 09:51pm

@Bilal Second chance for sure in 1st class cricket but not for Pakistan. He did too much damage there already.

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Dec 09, 2015 09:54pm

If everyone was given a second chance, wouldn't there be a lot of first hand cheaters? And isn't a lot of cheaters the one big problem in this country? Zero tolerance is the answer.

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Azhar Malik

Dec 09, 2015 10:03pm

@Saad Life ban is not understandable. Do they impose life ban in Olympics on players who test positive in lab tests for using drugs. Pakistani hockey team was banned for ever to play hockey after their grave indiscipline in Munich Olympics final . However this ban was withdrawn on all players except three but was subsequently withdrawn on every player before the next Olympic. Pakistani cricket trio got their punishment which was enough to teach them lesson. I don't think Amir at that time was an adult so he definitely deserves pardon.

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Dr Riffat Jabeen

Dec 09, 2015 10:10pm

@Jonty Rhodes What about South Africa vs India series?

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Hafeez

Dec 09, 2015 10:39pm

If Hafeez was such a moral custodian than why didn't he mind playing under his coaches Waqar and Mushtaq who both are convicted fixers fined by Qayyum report! Also Hafeez is very lucky to play for Pakistan for such a long time with the mediocre talent he got. Aamir is here to stay and I see this is the beginning of the end for Hafeez after making this senseless statement.

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azkhan71

Dec 09, 2015 10:54pm

100% Agreed with WA - wise person with wise mind and opinion!

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HbA

Dec 09, 2015 11:36pm

Give him a chance, is less corrupt than Pakistani Politician and Law enforcement Agencies.

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abc

Dec 09, 2015 11:50pm

@Saad - dont make this about our nation - Shane Warne, Mark Waugh, Herschelle Gibbs and Marlon Samuels - all took money from bookmakers - HG and MS were banned for time and came back to their teams. Amir went to jail, accepted his role and paid the price for 5 years. time to move on

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adi

Dec 10, 2015 02:03am

well he paid for it others are still playing without any punishement, and recently look at carin case he walks free even though its all there black and white that he is guilty but noone cares ........raina and dhoni were caught red handed but nothing happen ...........so all three should be back

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Waseem

Dec 10, 2015 02:14am

Akram him self was blamed for the same. I am not sure weather I will listen to his advise.

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NAZ

Dec 10, 2015 05:36am

Pakistan has tons of criminal politicians who move with protocol and covered by media with respect so if Amir made a mistake and punished so let him play----may be he will make an effort and do good for the team!!!!!!!!!

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NAZ

Dec 10, 2015 05:42am

@DKM ---not in finance department but some other department where he or she can earn and not go back to crime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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NAZ

Dec 10, 2015 05:49am

@Arifq ----but Pakistan is different as the Politicians are defaulters,money launders,land grabbers and the list goes on when they are holding important posts and get protocol-------comparing to them Amir is innocent as he has been punished and am sure better than them -----LET HIM PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Shahid Akbar, New York

Dec 10, 2015 06:09am

Wasim Akram is on the money. Bring Aamir back!

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ebrahim

Dec 10, 2015 07:20am

Any crime how big it may be ,is set aside if one has complete is punishment, if one promise to behave in future.

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Citizen

Dec 10, 2015 11:19am

A good player can do anything he wish and still he can escape in this country! What a pity? Our team's performance depends on hard work and team work, not based on one player. Time will judge in the international arena!

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Rabbani

Dec 10, 2015 11:23am

@Noman ..In T20 and ODI nobody will get chance in world 11 from Pakistan except Amer.

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adnan

Dec 15, 2015 04:27pm

We r good

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