Amir 'to announce plans' when he returns home

CHANGA BANGIAL: Cricketer Mohammad Amir will announce his next move when he returns home later this month after his release from a British prison, his brother told AFP.

Mohammad Ijaz said the family was delighted that the 19-year-old had been freed after serving half a six-month sentence for spot-fixing in one of the biggest scandals to rock Pakistan cricket.

"We are all very happy, my parents especially are very happy," Ijaz told AFP by telephone.

"He will be back home in the next two to three weeks. I talked to him yesterday. He was very happy and asked me to convey his best wishes to his parents and family members."

"He will announce his future plans once he returns home. I don't know when he will be able to play cricket again for Pakistan because of the five-year ban," Ijaz added.

Amir was one of three Pakistan players jailed by a judge in London in November over their roles in a plan to bowl deliberate no-balls during a Test against England at Lord's in August 2010.

He is also serving a five-year ban imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Amir's father suffers chronic stomach problems and is "desperate" to see his son back in the humble family village of Changa Bangial, Ijaz said.

The family house was closed on Thursday. Neighbours told reporters that they had gone to Lahore, but other relatives living in the community said they did not want to talk to media.