One of the best bowling prospects of Pakistan, Mohammad Amir, 22, banned to play any form of the game since Pakistan tour of England in 2010 has been cleared (to play domestic cricket) earlier than scheduled return on September 2 this year.
The spot fixing and betting incident that involved him, Mohammad Asif and captain Salman Butt resulted in bans for the trio and jail terms as well. Amir served six months in jail.
According to an International Cricket Council (ICC) release, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the head of the ICC’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit (Acsu), approved Amir’s domestic return.
The ICC statement read: “Sir Ronnie Flanagan, with the prior approval of the ICC Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board, has exercised his discretion to allow Mohammad Amir to return to domestic cricket played under the auspices of the Pakistan Cricket Board with immediate effect.”
It further added that Flanagan “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”.
Amir had shown guilt and remorse over the incident and being young, just 18, at the time of incident worked out in his favour. He also cooperated and told his side of story without holding any information.
However, Asif and Butt repeatedly fought charges before being found guilty at Southwark Crown Court. The latter pair were also jailed, with Asif banned from cricket for seven years (two suspended) and Butt 10 years (five suspended).
Mohammad Amir timeline
26 August 2010: Pakistan start Test match against England at Lord’s.
28 August: Newspaper makes spot-fixing allegations against some Pakistan players.
29 August: Police speak to Amir, Butt and Asif.
February 2011: ICC hand lengthy playing bans to trio.
November 2011: Trio found guilty in court and given prison sentences.
February 2012: Amir released from jail after serving three months of a six-month sentence.
October 2013: ICC announce plans to review Amir’s five-year ban.
28 January 2015: Amir cleared to play domestic cricket in his home country.
Sports Adda India 