Pakistan
fast bowler Mohammad Amir has
been allowed to return to domestic cricket under the auspices of the PCB with
immediate effect. Amir's five-year ban for his role in spot-fixing during
Pakistan's tour of England in 2010 was due to end on September 2.
The
ICC said after its board meeting in Dubai: "The ACSU Chairman [Ronnie
Flanagan] had exercised the powers vested in him under Article 6.8 of the ICC
Anti-Corruption Code after he was satisfied that Amir had cooperated with the
ACSU by fully disclosing his part in the matters that led to his
disqualification, admitting his guilt, showing remorse and cooperating with the
Unit's ongoing investigations and by recording messages for the ACSU education
sessions."
Soon
after the news of his re-admittance, Amir said it would not take him long to
get match ready. "I have been playing some unregistered club cricket but
the sort of body I have I think it won't take much time to get the momentum. I
think a month and half will be enough for me to stand up. Being a fast bowler,
I have all the varieties and ability to bowl both inswing and outswing, so what
I need now is to work hard."
Confirmation
that Amir's return is limited to cricket overseen by the PCA ends any intention
by Amir, or his representatives, to seek a deal in English cricket - a prospect,
in any case, that might have run foul of visa problems.
The
PCB had written a letter to the ICC in November, requesting the
governing body to review the conditions of Amir's ban. As per the new anti-corruption code,
banned players could be allowed to return to domestic cricket before the end of
their penalty if they meet certain criteria. The ICC later interviewed Amir to
determine if they could find any difference in the player.
In
the last four years, Amir had completed an Anti Corruption and Security Unit
(ACSU) education program with PCB, showed a high degree of remorse, and
disclosed relevant information to the PCB as well as the anti-corruption units.
With
the Pakistan domestic season about to finish before starting again in October,
Amir's only chance of competitive cricket would be a possible return in the
Super Eight T20 Cup in Pakistan after the World Cup. However, a few Grade 1
teams had already shown a keen interest to sign the player for next season.
National Bank of Pakistan, who had revoked Amir's contract after his ban, later
offered to retain the bowler upon his return.
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