PCB leaves no stone unturned to support Amir

Releases media brief requesting critics to forgive fast bowler

KARACHI: In an official press release issued on Wednesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continued to voice its support for pacer Mohammad Amir, who is currently in Pakistan’s training camp for the upcoming New Zealand series.

Amir, 23, was banned along with teammates Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt for his involvement in the infamous 2010 spot-fixing scandal and was allowed to return to cricket this year.



Some of the current team players and former cricketers — especially the likes of Mohammad Hafeez, Ramiz Raja and Rashid Latif — are strictly against his return.

However, in an unprecedented move, the PCB issued several points in the press release, which stated: “There are a few players and commentators who are opposed to his selection. We are reminding them that even Islam calls for forgiveness in such cases.

“In the past, spot-fixers and drugs cheats have been permitted re-entry in to the international arena after serving their sentence. They include Marlon Samuels, Herschelle Gibbs (cricket) and Tyson Gay (athletics).”

PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan recently called in Amir and told him that he needs to show modesty and discipline in his conduct as all his moves and actions will be monitored constantly. Amir agreed to behave with contrition and respect and act as a role model for youngsters.



After serving his sentence for spot-fixing, Amir underwent a gradual process of rehabilitation and re-education.

However, former captain Latif lamented the PCB’s constant backing of Amir. “I would say that whoever has signed the official press release possesses a criminal mind,” he told 

“If the PCB is so lenient, it should also help Salim Malik against his life ban and Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif should also be included in the training camp. If they can forgive so readily, they should also help Danish Kaneria fight his case against the England and Wales Cricket Board.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2015.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.