Amir's lesser-privileged background no justification for corruption: Pietersen

E-Paper | June 14, 2026

England batsman Kevin Pietersen says there is no excuse to cheat in cricket, whether through match-fixing or taking drugs, and players found guilty of such acts must be banned for life.

In a column published in The Telegraph, Pietersen wrote,"I understand that in the sub-continent cricketers come from villages where there is poverty and deprivation. The chance to escape the village and give their family a better life is something they will do anything for. They get the chance to play international cricket and earn massive sums of money and are exposed to temptation.

"But to bowl a no ball for £50,000 to earn more money is just greed.

"If you cheat the system either by taking drugs or money to under-perform then you are mugging the spectators, your teammates and a sport that has been around a lot longer than you."

Read: BBC criticised for labelling Amir ‘convicted spot-fixer’ after fiery spell

Pakistan fast-bowler Mohammad Amir is set to make a Test return on Thursday at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground — the venue where his cricketing career had come to a gruesome halt in 2010 for his involvement in spot-fixing.

The-24-year-old bowler hails from a small city of Gujjar Khan, Punjab.

See: The little hamlet of a tainted hero

Pietersen's remarks are among a volley of divided opinions on Amir's comeback in Pakistan's Test squad.

His sumptuous in-swingers against Somerset last week were praised by many, but British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Sport labelled Amir a “convicted spot-fixer”.

Read: Amir should be allowed to move on with his life: Michael Atherton

With harsh criticism and disappointment at Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif's scandal in Pakistan's ill-famed Lord’s Test in 2010, the explosive England batsman went on to soften the blow, lauding Amir's masterful, "vocal" performances.

But Pietersen remained firm.

"Any sportsman or woman caught match fixing, spot fixing or taking drugs should be banned for life. They have broken the rules, should pay the price and not be given a second chance."

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Sport

Once jailed, can Mohammad Amir find redemption as part of Pakistan's Test team?

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Are we wrong about Mohammad Amir?

Apache

Jul 12, 2016 02:50pm

KP we pakistanis respect you and enjoy your batting skills but dont forget what you did to your team due to which you are sitting out and crying to get back. Peace

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Jul 12, 2016 02:54pm

He is 100 percent right.

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Safdar

Jul 12, 2016 03:01pm

Typical English pressure tactics which we are used to seeing before every home series. Why won't he mention Darrel Hair's biased umpiring which tainted the 2010 series??

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Arslan

Jul 12, 2016 03:02pm

I wonder if the Brits will be calling Messi a "convicted tax fraudster" when he plays next in UK or against England and call for a lifetime ban on him too? In UK, tax evasion is equivalent to treason that's surely a bigger crime than spot fixing.

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SYED ADNAN SHAFQAT

Jul 12, 2016 02:59pm

Amir has served his punishment in thier own jail as per all the procedures, so now he is a free man to carry on with his cricketing career, he just play cricket and make the nation proud, simple ! British media is known for their negative tactics and critics to mend the emotions of visiting cricket team players, the British media search for the topics to sell more for their media mediums !

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Redback

Jul 12, 2016 03:01pm

KP is 100 % right. It's reflection of moral of society and wrong example for next generation.

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Miller--V

Jul 12, 2016 03:03pm

Though crime is unforgettable but Amir case is some what different since he was a child that time and seniors must have trapped him....

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Rohit Singh

Jul 12, 2016 03:08pm

Life punishment would be too harsh but the way Pak authorities have hastily facilitated his return does not give a good signal to the other players.

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Jul 12, 2016 03:09pm

agreed

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Leo

Jul 12, 2016 03:11pm

He is right! Crime needs to be punished with an example for the other cricketers ..India never played a tainted cricketer back in the team despite their "greatness"

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fahd

Jul 12, 2016 03:13pm

@Redback toni blair's recent statements regarding iraq war show exactly the values of moral values in UK

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Patriot

Jul 12, 2016 03:14pm

Full fledge propaganda from British Media. I am really saddened, no such news leading to this test match. And as soon as the test starting, British media is doing what it does the best.

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Dal

Jul 12, 2016 03:18pm

Then Pietersen should protest and not play against Amir in England or any other place in the world (if he actually was playing - haha)! Amir's paid the price and he's been given a second chance! Sometimes life does give a second chance and that's when a man should thank god and learn from his mistakes!

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Shoaib Rehman

Jul 12, 2016 03:20pm

What he said is absolutely right.

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Optimistic Pakistani

Jul 12, 2016 03:21pm

His sin is not greater than Tony Blair and George Bush & Company did in Iraq. Modi has got the permit to land in US. World ignores the massacre in Kashmir. If they are freed then Amir should be given a fair chance. He will remain a live example for the new comers on the field.

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Khalid

Jul 12, 2016 03:23pm

Whether you agree with KP or not, he is absolutely right. The ban should be for life. In fact, Amir has spent time in jail as well. Where in the world would you find players who have been convicted criminals and represent the very country Amir disgraced. It is only our beloved Pakistan, where anything goes.

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amir

Jul 12, 2016 03:26pm

so those who have transgressed their own soul will they be condemned to hell forever ?! who are we to withhold forgiveness when God is the most meriful of all !

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ABL

Jul 12, 2016 03:29pm

Wow! Look, who's talking? Please see yourself in a mirror and ask the same questions to yourself? This is cheap way of staying in the news/media. I don't understand the "agree" comments. How and why do you agree to someone who has no concern to comment on Pakistan player.

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Raaz

Jul 12, 2016 03:29pm

We Pakistanis have the habit of blaming everyone else but ourselves for all our own wrongdoings

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Guest66

Jul 12, 2016 03:27pm

I like KP's comment , Calling a Spade , a Spade in most open way , Good he did it and the way he explained it is perfecto

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Riz000

Jul 12, 2016 03:32pm

Look who's talking same guy was back stabbing English players on how to get them out isn't that a match fixing? Or cheating?

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Sixer from Chakwal

Jul 12, 2016 03:37pm

your prime minister says sorry on killing of millions, and a young boy is punished for life on his guilty? you so called civilized people have amazing logic

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joe

Jul 12, 2016 03:35pm

@Khalid Azruddin and Ajay Jadja never returned to any cricket once found guilty of match fixing. Both were at their prime. It only speaks of lack of talent available. If not groom next available.

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kalhoro

Jul 12, 2016 03:34pm

he is right but all this comments just before the all important series. Why were you shut when you were playing PSL or anywhere else, its shows British media again back on playing dirty tricks to demoralize the current worlds best talent. Do whatever you wish to do, he will rock the world with his performance. Entire Iraq is bleeding because, you wanted to get dirty oil money, million have already died, millions are suffering and many more to next few decays and you hav't said any against it. HE served his punishment now leave him alone lets enjoy game, after its a game. Please stop childish excuse world knows you better.

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INDIAN

Jul 12, 2016 03:38pm

I think cricket is bigger than anything else 1 rule for all

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SYED AHMAD

Jul 12, 2016 03:36pm

He committed mistake got punished in accordance with your law. Now please shut up and get down to business.

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Omar

Jul 12, 2016 03:39pm

KP what punishment you suggest for a player who inform the opposition captain on how to get his team batsman out? Don't you think so that it also comes under 'fixing' (not for the sake of money but for the sake of revenge). One should not speak about others unless he hasn't done anything bad. Regards Omar

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SYED AHMAD

Jul 12, 2016 03:41pm

Prime Minister Tony Blair lied about Weapons of Mass destruction that led to the killing of only half million civilians. No Punishment. Muhammad Amir should be ban for life

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YOUKNOWIMRIGHT

Jul 12, 2016 03:47pm

KP, thy name is hypocrisy. You say "to bowl a no ball for £50,000 to earn more money is just greed", yet you sold out the country of your birth to earn riches playing for England. Secondly, while never condoning what Amir did, you coming from your privileged lifestyle could never begin to understand what drove the then teenager to succumb to temptation offered by his captain (and all that entailed in terms of probable unfavourable blowback from his skipper if he refused).

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timetostopthis

Jul 12, 2016 03:54pm

Its sad to see people comparing sportsmen to politicians. Politicians are known to be corrupt but sportsmen are supposed to be honest and upright. A cheating sportsman may be good for politics but he can never be trusted to be a good sportsman again.

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Shakeel Ahmed

Jul 12, 2016 03:56pm

Kevin, I do not think anyone can earn £50,000 for bowling a single or two no-balls. Please quit talking something you do not know about (unless you were in such practice too). And for God's sake why have you picked up the pen just a couple of days before the start of the match?

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Salman (Kashmir, INDIA)

Jul 12, 2016 04:01pm

India never allowed any Fixers to play again, be it Azhar, Jadeja or Prabhakar. When it comes to greatness, Amir is no where even closer to them.

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Umer

Jul 12, 2016 04:03pm

Cricket Players should focus on their game, and let Amir focus on his. I think there has been enough discussion.

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Jul 12, 2016 04:07pm

No body did any body a favour. Amir made a mistake and paid for it by missing cricket for 5 years. Don't act like a saint here; Amir's case has nothing to do with you. Case closed. KP, you better focus on improving your batting skills against Amir. I don't think defending Amir's swinging balls would be as easy

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imtiaz Hydari

Jul 12, 2016 04:11pm

what should have have happened is not relevant any more. what should happen in the future is. Any discussion on whether the 5 year ban on Amir was enough, was relevant then, so discussing the matter now makes little or no sense. I however totally agree with KP that it was "greed" and regardless of what background one comes from, there is no justification. He admitted to his wrong doing, was given a sentence, has served his sentence and has worked on his rehabilitation to the satisfaction of ICC, so may be we should have a little compassion and let go.

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ALWIN JAMES

Jul 12, 2016 04:10pm

His past cannot be rewritten. I bet all of the current supporters will hate him again telling the old story, if he doesn't perform up to the mark...

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Houlbelat

Jul 12, 2016 04:11pm

It is easy to talk about faults of others but, when it comes to self, rules suddenly change !

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Goga Nalaik

Jul 12, 2016 04:11pm

Kevin, can you tell us why you are sitting out of your national squand ?? what were charges against you ??

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Houlbelat

Jul 12, 2016 04:15pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad: He is 100 percent right, but for others, not him.

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SMI

Jul 12, 2016 04:14pm

Leave him alone don't be afraid !!!!

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Raheel

Jul 12, 2016 04:17pm

So how many second chances Mr. Petersen got for himself??

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Anum

Jul 12, 2016 04:17pm

Easy for Pete to say this cause he makes a million dollars without even hitting a ball in IPL. Pakistan players are unfairly kept away from IPL so obviously they are lured to other venues and wrong doings. And ECB plays a lot more cricket then Pakistan so their board pays their players well. Pete himself left his home nation to play for England. So could that also count as Greed ?

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Jul 12, 2016 04:18pm

@Arslan ...do you know the difference between what Amir did and what Messi did?

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imtiaz Hydari

Jul 12, 2016 04:18pm

I would also like to say to KP that cheating has different levels, but goes on all the time in cricket. A batsman is given not out by the umpire and the fielding side has no appeals left so, he remains not out and continues to play when he knows fully that he is out and the entire crowd watching the game knows he is out from the replays. This is also cheating KP, may not be for greed of money but certainly greed of a kind!!! i could give you other examples as well.

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Basit Ali

Jul 12, 2016 04:18pm

@SYED AHMAD He did not sell his country

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Shaw

Jul 12, 2016 04:19pm

It clearly shows how hysterical English team is, you are the one set this up, you are the one clear this up, and again you are the one messing around , why can't you just let the game happen. I'm desperatly waiting to go to lords but can't appreciate these ridiculous comments at this time.

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imtiaz

Jul 12, 2016 04:18pm

Poverty is no excuse to cheap. Everybody is poor compared to those who earn more than them. Eventually everyone is poorer than the richest man in the world and thus gets a license to cheat?

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Shaw

Jul 12, 2016 04:19pm

@ABL 100% agreed with you.

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Shaw

Jul 12, 2016 04:23pm

@SYED AHMAD spot on bro

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Objective View

Jul 12, 2016 04:23pm

@Miller--V agree with you. It's wrong to cheat. But each case should be considered and in Amir's case it was right to forgive once he had paid his due. He now needs to show respect for the nation and have nothing like this again in the rest of his career

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Rafique Khan

Jul 12, 2016 04:24pm

Dear K.P. Please note Amir was penalized under the purview of ICC Code of Conducts. Amir has allowed to play cricket after serving his punishment. Since you are aware of talent and afraid that Amir has mettle to debacle the English team in their home grounds. Go and play cricket according to your potential and avoid to raise finger to any other players. If you have any objection about Amir it means you are against ICC decision not Amir. How many Indians and other players were caught in match and spot fixing have served their punishment. Since PCB could not handled the situations about Amir, Salman & Asif tactfully so they were punished otherwise PCB was stands firm on their spot fixing matter then there was no any English court and ICC was able to punish them. Go play cricket and perform well. We are cricket lovers and lovers of players performance rather than to peep into the personal behaviour and lives of the cricketers.

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Gaf

Jul 12, 2016 04:26pm

@Leo What about Dhoni?

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Shan

Jul 12, 2016 04:40pm

I prefer more pragmatic stance of Imran Khan as a cricketer than his.

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malik

Jul 12, 2016 04:39pm

There should be tolerance for someone who had paid the price for his crime. A smooth integration back to society is expected off us/spectators/senior players. I hope we don't get tempted with a personal greed of bashing someone after the punishment is been over.

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waseem

Jul 12, 2016 04:41pm

Ha had served his time and want to do right things for future ahead Get over it All we have seen is that English player and media believes to play in opponents minds more than on the field Any profession and career allows people to return after they have done right things to make for their mistakes and crimes By saying that Peterson and his fellow looser group are behaving more like a cricketing CLERGY than a professional player

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Skkk

Jul 12, 2016 04:44pm

What punishment do u suggest for Tony Blair for having facilititated killing of 500,000 people-forget about those maimed, made homeless and jobless etc etc??

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Mahen

Jul 12, 2016 04:45pm

@Gaf What about him? What has he been charged with? Grow up

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Imagine

Jul 12, 2016 04:44pm

Can you comment on Tony Blair's blander.... it was not mistake the decision who took so many innocent life... so can you stand and speak about that too... so don't just stand front of sub-content and speak about reality or your view on mistake which they paid for in there life... you have stand within your community and talk about Tony Blair as well, i hope you understand where people feel more pain where they loved one is more any more...

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Sudhakar USA

Jul 12, 2016 04:49pm

Perfectly articulated by KP. 100% Agree!

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Skkk

Jul 12, 2016 04:46pm

Please suggest a suitable punishment for Tony Blair for facilitating killing of 500,000 iraqis and Destroying lives of millions!

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Skkk

Jul 12, 2016 04:50pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad please give a judgment on appropriate punishment for Tony Blair-100%!

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Sudhakar USA

Jul 12, 2016 04:52pm

@SYED AHMAD : Like other commentators mentioned in a different article to amir_Indian, the comments are supposed to be relevant. What has Tony Blair got to do with Cricket article?

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truth prevails

Jul 12, 2016 04:55pm

I somewhat agree with him!! Because I like Amir's bowling.

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khanman

Jul 12, 2016 04:56pm

why at this moment, could have said 5 years back or atleast few months back, why now, he was under 18 is that justified?. well dont put pressure on him and besides amir jesture and attitude is like a person who doesnt take pressures he is a cool dude.so carry on

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Gonewiththewind

Jul 12, 2016 04:53pm

Its a dirty tricks from British media and players. This is normal. Thus is how they behave before every series. We all Pakistani should not say that KP is right. This is their history from olden times until now

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Sudhakar USA

Jul 12, 2016 04:55pm

@Gaf : Better to keep you talk limited to the convicted spot fixer here. All the 11 players of the current Pak team put together do not come any close to Dhoni in greatness. Sreesanth was caught cheating and he never was given a second chance. Educate yourself before talking.

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Jul 12, 2016 04:56pm

One thing we seem to have missed. Kids these days are growing up way faster than say 20 years ago. A 14 year old in 2010 would be far smarter than one in 1990. I think Amir wasn't as innocent as the media portrayed him to be. I think he knew he was doing a bad deed and couldn't control greed. Butts influence is a bit over rated here.

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khanman

Jul 12, 2016 04:58pm

you could have said that unprivileged background people are easily trapped by someone smart like majeed ,these people from village are simple and doesnt know the coporate bluff etc whatever you may call it

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rathorew

Jul 12, 2016 04:57pm

Kevin Pietersen is entitled to his views. However, he should remember that he tried to stab his own team in the back by emailing England's opponents on how to get the captain out.

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Raziuddin

Jul 12, 2016 04:59pm

Brits are right for once. Our Icons cannot be cheats. It is not all about money or cricket; it is about developing national fiber of ethics morals for coming generations.

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shaffiq qureshi

Jul 12, 2016 05:02pm

@Optimistic Pakistani good comment mate

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kaka maka

Jul 12, 2016 05:05pm

Can we move on, please!

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shaffiq qureshi

Jul 12, 2016 05:04pm

@Salman (Kashmir, INDIA) oh come on you just seem to be jealous of AMir.you k ow how good bowler he is

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shaffiq qureshi

Jul 12, 2016 05:09pm

@Gaf dhoni was covered by your bcci

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Shahid

Jul 12, 2016 05:10pm

I have a question for KP, what about those who cheat in other walks of life. Should they not be banned for life too? In this contest, should UK not be banned from all world organizations including UNO and then even in ICC for cheating on causes of war on Iraq.

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unbiased

Jul 12, 2016 05:14pm

@Redback who says the punishment is life Ban????? the cricketing authority doesn't this is a stupid aggression against people who can correct themselves. This is nor rape or murder rather a crime for which he paid the price.

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Seneca

Jul 12, 2016 05:21pm

Amir did his time, let it go. If you have a problem then go whine to the ICC and british govt to change the laws. Amir did his time, he paid what society deemed the price to pay. Maybe he should be more worried about what Tony Blair did which resulted in the deaths of millions and he didn't even spend one second in jail. Go talk about that if you want to be self righteous.

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Super

Jul 12, 2016 05:23pm

Kevin is correct , every criminal on earth has some excuse for his crime ! No ifs and butts it's simple Aamir is guilty PERIOID.

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AXH

Jul 12, 2016 05:25pm

Everyone is now trying to be relevant by issuing statements and publishing articles criticizing Aamir.

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Ali

Jul 12, 2016 05:28pm

How about people who do ball tempering, Wasnt Mike Artheton rubbing sand on the ball, isn't that cheating and shouldn't he be banned for life as well.

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Adeel

Jul 12, 2016 05:28pm

@Arslan I would like to hear cash register sound when Messi comes in and play ?

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Lakhani

Jul 12, 2016 05:36pm

English media and players are passing on judgements like their players and officials have never been involved in any wrong practices. Everybody knows it's international issue not restricted to Pakistan only. And I'm sure English players are NOT an exception. Their tone and point of view will immediately change if it was other country player like India or Australia. They only take on soft targets and soft hearted people who can not retaliate. I'm more worried about our media and PCB's silence when they see such comments.

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SAB

Jul 12, 2016 05:43pm

The young man has paid the price.

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Rama

Jul 12, 2016 05:42pm

Is there anyone who never cheated in the life? Only that person has right to say anything on Amir. KP - what do you want to achieve? You are anyway out of English cricket team. You won't gain anything by showing this kid low. You are an overrated person and English team doesn't even believe you. First try to get respect from your team and then talk about others. Amir is talking with the ball in his hand. Ask English to talk to Amir with their bat and not with their mouth.

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Omar

Jul 12, 2016 05:46pm

@Sudhakar USA Dhoni for you will be great not for us. And BTW what punishment you have to Srinawasan who was caught red handed other than he cannot be the president of the ICC

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Chris

Jul 12, 2016 05:48pm

@Redback While I uphold morality but if you go by that yardstick, the whole of cricket ground will be empty. "let him who is without sin cast the first stone"

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Asad

Jul 12, 2016 06:05pm

Amir needs to bowl his hear out and that will shut all the critiques. Psychological pressure on opponents is totally legal. From morality perspective English, who were part of all major wars in last few centuries can hardly offer anyone any lesson. Amir was 18. He was guilty; He accepted it; Society punished him; he is now free to work for his nation.

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ABL

Jul 12, 2016 06:11pm

Amir accepted his guilt and was punished according to the prevailing system of punishment. He suffered 5 years of no-cricket and has paid his price. Dear Amir, this is for you, if you happen to read this column. The whole nation is with you in the upcoming English tour. I have seen your recent interviews and you sound very stable, mature and grown-up person ready to face the world again. Go out and do your best!! Besides, you know exactly how to ignore such articles and what is the reason behind such articles against you.

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Indian

Jul 12, 2016 06:11pm

100% correct. Even though I have some sympathy for this poor chap Amir but there shoud be strict measure against corruption and should be set an example to the future generation otherwise society will be corrupt.

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adnan

Jul 12, 2016 06:15pm

I am few of the Pakistanis who totally agree with Kevin Pietersen. Too bad, Most of us are misguided to actually realize that.

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Jul 12, 2016 06:20pm

A person who agree to have done wrong and is feels sorrow for that and who has completed his legal punishment dont deserve disrespect if not repect

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Nav

Jul 12, 2016 06:22pm

So let me get this right, underpreforming and playing politics in the background is not "mugging spectators "? Lets not be hypocrites!!!

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Adhrish

Jul 12, 2016 06:23pm

Face him in the ground, let the ball and bat do the talking!

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Jul 12, 2016 06:36pm

He is afraid to play some real cricket, worried about the past. Talk to our Prime Minister or his Prime Minister they will tell him about corruption.

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Gabol

Jul 12, 2016 06:40pm

KP should focus on ICC rules. They should amend its law and should employ ban on match fixers. KP should not have focus Aamir because he was sentenced and came back after completing his sentence. so he is innocent now. KP have not raised questions against those who went to meet players for fixings. They should also be given harder punishments.

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Shrish

Jul 12, 2016 06:44pm

I agree with Pietersen.

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AKSHAY

Jul 12, 2016 06:47pm

If it was me , to see my country's colours represented by a tainted cricketer , no matter what the situation , would be the ultimate humiliation for me . just my 2 cents

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Hashaam

Jul 12, 2016 06:47pm

@Sudhakar USA Younus Khan alone surpasses Dhoni with regards to his stature as a player, at least think before your type.

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Asad

Jul 12, 2016 06:54pm

I agree with PTSN comments.

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Atif Latif

Jul 12, 2016 06:57pm

KP respect your opinion, 100% agree there is absolutely no justification for doing any unlawful act. But the system has due punishments for the crimes. If it is ban for life so be it , if its 5-6 years so be it. Once you have done the time, like any human being you have the right to rehabilitate your self, remaining within the system.

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Shubs

Jul 12, 2016 06:56pm

Those bringing in KP's background or even the Iraq War (!!!!) should keep the discussion limited to the subject at hand. If you do want to compare, consider Azharuddin. Can you really compare what Azhar meant to the Indian team or what Cronje meant to South Africa, to where Amir stands today? Yet, these fantastic cricketers never played for their countries again.

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Kakaamerici

Jul 12, 2016 06:59pm

I agree with Pieterson about banning spot-fixers for life; however, since Amir was very young, he should be given another chance. Not the other 2 players though.

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John Sutton

Jul 12, 2016 07:01pm

In principle he is correct. in Reality the circumstances of the case did surely depict Aamir of being coerced into corruption by the captain. Hence the leniency. at least respect that judgement.

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Raza

Jul 12, 2016 07:13pm

Why are these articles cropping up in UK papers now ? Age old Brit tactics to put pressure , he served his time now move on Brits play cricket if you still can.

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Farrukh

Jul 12, 2016 07:33pm

@Safdar doing wrong against another wrong does not make it right. if d hair was wrong, you cant justify amir's criminal act as being right.

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Farrukh

Jul 12, 2016 07:37pm

@Apache kp did not commit any criminal act.

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Khurram Jadoon

Jul 12, 2016 07:38pm

Oh come KP you are no one to teach someone lessons on decency.

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Farrukh

Jul 12, 2016 07:41pm

@Redback you are spot on my friend. the lesson we have given to our next generation is to commit crime at an early age so you can ask for another chance. even if amir has served his sentence, he should have never been allowed to represent his country, who he disgraced. but I guess we as a society have completely rewritten the moral code. what we are looking is the reflection of the moral decay of our society where bigger your crime is, higher you are up the social order. good luck to our nation...

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Karim Mombani

Jul 12, 2016 07:58pm

Pietersen should try to live one day like a poor man in Pakistan... where the Government does not even support the people and they commit suicides..... people make mistakes and there is always time to repent...... calling Amir greedy may be right.... but who is more greedy? playing international leagues and earning handsome money isn't it because of greed....

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Mo Ash

Jul 12, 2016 08:09pm

Whilst there is no excuse for breaking the law however Amir has served his time for the crime.

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A. Rashid

Jul 12, 2016 08:09pm

Every body deserve a second chance. He has paid his dues. Let the guy play.

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ejaz

Jul 12, 2016 08:12pm

There should not be any justification for breaking the law but after paying (going to jail) for the crime there should not be any justification to punish the person further.

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Masood

Jul 12, 2016 08:20pm

Kp is just seeking attention himself. England is applying pressure only on Aamir so he does not perform well. Aamir has paid the penalty already. I wish him well. ICC board has no objection then who you and me are to object it.

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Imran A.

Jul 12, 2016 08:42pm

Let the games begin. I will like to see you play against Amir. If you play well, your comments will hold some value. However, if he gets your scalp... then I will ask you to repeat your comments. That will be fun times.

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Hash_Cricket

Jul 12, 2016 09:00pm

@SALMAN (KASHMIR, INDIA) Nobody says Amir is closer to them. But the thing is in current Pakistan bowling line-up he is the top choice.

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Naeem

Jul 12, 2016 09:02pm

I do not condone, cheating of any type, but this statement is typical example of Extreamist Thinking, dam it, if a murderer can be pardoned, why can't a 18 years old can't be pardoned after he has gone through the legal punishment given by the court of law.

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ADD

Jul 12, 2016 09:09pm

KP is absolutely right. No country except Pakistan (of course) would take a cheater back into the team to represent their country. It is just bad and that is all he is saying.

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Sudhakar USA

Jul 12, 2016 10:02pm

@Shubs : I wouldn't compare Azharuddin to Amir. Azza was the captain of the team. He can be compared perhaps with Wasim Akram's secretly closed case of fixing (that one of the PCB member threatened to re-open). I would compare Amir at best with Sreesanth (same sub-specialty of cricket, same calibre). Sreesanth never played. Amir should never play. That is how convicted spot fixers need to be dealt with.

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Abdulla Hussain

Jul 12, 2016 10:12pm

"England batsman Kevin Pietersen says there is no excuse to cheat in cricket, whether through match-fixing or taking drugs, and players found guilty of such acts must be banned for life" This statement shows nervousness in the England cricket camp. What Aamir did was not the first time & will not be the last time. At a time when the series is about to start such comment shows how much the host cricket camp is suffering from Aamir's deadly bowling phobia.

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K.Rashid

Jul 12, 2016 11:43pm

Mr.Pieterson, The timing and tone of your remarks betray a focused effort on your part to disturb this young man mentally so his performance is adversely affected. Your attitude is unbecoming of you as a sportsman and a human being. This young man made a mistake when he was 19 and has paid his dues diligently booth by going to jail and being debarred for 5 years. Your remarks are highly offensive and millions of people all over the world today think less of you both as a player and as a human being. I think you should apologize. If you don't, you are not the sportsman we thought you are. K.Rashid, USA

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Zak

Jul 13, 2016 02:13am

Infact if anything, Amir has done a favour for cricket. He being high profile, has strayed from the path, got caught, got penalized, ostracised, jailed , fined. Lost 6 years of his life. Then came back straight, as an example for the cricketing world aspirants. He has come back dazzling, blistering , blasting on the field to delight the British and all cricket fans.

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Javed Arshad

Jul 13, 2016 02:34am

Tests are played on the wicket and outside. Game on.

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usman

Jul 13, 2016 09:38am

he has been punished with 5 years ban, and he has served his ban, you are 5 years late with your statement,

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Rohail

Jul 13, 2016 10:05am

Already feeling the heat. Guys just concentrate on cricket as they try to play with your emotions. They are just scared of Amir. It's common in UK and Ausies to behave as such. Best of luck!!!

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Arawind

Jul 13, 2016 10:36am

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad you are 100% wrong

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Waheed

Jul 13, 2016 03:12pm

Every Pakistani can imagine the heat faced by English men owing to the presence of Amir in the team. Concentrate on your game , spare yourself from pressure tactics..

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kumar

Jul 13, 2016 08:13pm

It's his opinion. You can't change the fact now!!

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raza ullah

Jul 13, 2016 08:39pm

I could not have said better. Aamir's actions were simply wicked and deplorable. there are millions of poor people in Pakistan but they still have integrity and self esteem. Aamr was bribed and he accepted it. I hope he has learnt a lesson from his severe punishment. If he has then in my eyes at least he could be an honourable person.

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Junaid

Jul 13, 2016 09:00pm

Amir's defense was that he was a young rookie led into an illegal deal by his own captain. Most probably got influenced her his dishonest captain. Then he openly admitted his mistake instead of denying it. But it was never his ' lesser privileged background', was the main reason.

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