Mohammad Aamer. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan Saturday denied that Mohammad Amir is being fast-tracked back into international cricket after a five-year ban, saying he will be monitored "on and off the field" before his re-entry.
The 22-year-old was on Thursday cleared to play in the domestic cricket by the sport's top governing body, bringing him a step closer to redemption for his part in one of the most scandalous episodes in modern cricket.
Amir was one of three Pakistani players banned from the game for at least five years for arranging no-balls to order in a Test against England at Lord's in 2010.
He was also jailed in Britain in 2011, along with former capital Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif.
Amir's ban was due to expire on September 2, but the International Cricket Council used discretionary powers to allow him to return to domestic cricket early.
The PCB chairman denied that Amir was going to be rushed back into international cricket, saying that he will have to "earn his place in the Pakistan team".
"Some people believe that we have fast-tracked his return," he told AFP.
"In the period before his ban expires -- and even after that -- Amir will be constantly monitored on and off the field... He has to satisfy the PCB and the ACSU (the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit) before getting into international cricket."
Khan said Amir was being shown some leniency because he had shown more remorse for his part in the scandal than Butt and Asif.
"Amir pleaded guilty, showed remorse throughout the last four years, but the other two players did not," said Khan.
The decision to allow left-armer Amir -- who at the time of his ban was regarded as one of the hottest young bowling prospects in cricket -- comes as Pakistan is seeking to boost its status in the game.
"We want to build Kenya's tour," said Khan, referring to the African team's visit to Pakistan last month, adding that his board is also talking to national teams from the Netherlands, Nepal and Namibia.
"Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have promised to send their junior teams, so we are in the process of bringing more teams to Pakistan."
COMMENTS (11)
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We are a bunch of hypocrites. First try to hound your known criminals like the ones sitting in the government and Presidency and then of hounding a poor guy from the village who was just dreaming and fell into a trap. He should be fast-tracked if he is still half as good as he was before getting jailed. You have no real good fast bowler left after Junaid has been sidelined. Irfan is good but vulnerable to injury due to his lanky awkward frame. World Cup will be a disaster, believe you me.
Cricket is full of cheats and gamblers. One ex-captain and now a wannabe creator of "Naya Pakistan" use to gamble on cricket matches with his ex-brother-in-law to clear his personal and party debts and the other one is this imbecile juvenile who was a rags-to-riches poster boy and yet sold his soul and the honor of the country for a few thousand quids.
Aamir does not deserve to don the Pakistani baggy green ever again. He should thank his lucky star that he got a reprieve. In USA, match fixing otherwise known as Points Shaving is a federal racketeering offence punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
@Shah: Junaid is injured
aamir was such a class player. we in india used to enjoy his bowling a lot. he shud get back soon with the same zeal n performance. he was an outstanding crop.
This will make a truly National Team like we have our National Cabinet members.Aamir will add that missing flavour.
It is great to see him back. His mistake, no doubt was big enough, and the punishment was justified but now as he returns to cricket we must wish him luck for his future career. There is no guarantee for him being involved in such activities in future, but apparently it seems that punishment was sufficient to teach the young bowler a lifetime lesson. He is supposed to represent Pakistan and we believe that his addition in the team would actually strengthen our bowling attack. His career, would not only earn him fame and respect but also benefit Pakistan Cricket team, and for this sake we shall forgive him.
A convicted criminal is so easily accepted back in our team and society. This is why they do not feel any shame. Such incidents will happen again in future.
Second chance is a good thing. He paid a big price. Nobody is perfect. He will have to prove he is still good. That may not be that difficult given sorry state of our main bowlers. Our obsession with "seniority'. Age alone may not be the sole determinant.but declining reflexes do play a large part in the sport. Talent seems to lacking in our team. NO match winning bowler no consistent batsman. Fielding and wicket keeping not sparkling.
after watching dismal performance of current Pakistani bowling line up I want to see Amir in the side asap. Fast track slow track or what ever track who really cares. As long as Pakistani side needs his bowling than get him in.
PCB and media's focus should be our team which is struggling hard to regain their form but corrupt elements in PCB and media have diverted their attention towards this woodworm.
I don't know why so much hype about him, even PCB chairmen(atleast 2 of them) have enough time to waste on Amir's return. Come on guys, leave the cheat alone and focus on your pathetic team performing worst in Newzealand. First wasted time on Ajmal's return, then Hafeez (who can't play on these wickets), Bhatti in place of Junaid. Seriously?