"We are hoping that Amir will be allowed to use PCB’s facilities a few months before he becomes eligible for selection,” says PCB spokesperson. PHOTO: AFP
As declared before his departure, Sethi raised the matter with the governing body at its annual conference held in London last week. The PCB chief’s plea got a positive response as the ICC, after hearing the request, formed a committee to review the existing ICC Anti-Corruption Code that includes minimum punishment of five years for an offender of match-fixing or spot-fixing.
“The ICC has formed a five-member committee,” PCB spokesperson Nadeem Sarwar confirmed to The Express Tribune.
“It will review the code and will recommend amendments in it. It will also hear recommendations from the PCB and will then give its suggestions on the ban against Amir.”
It has been learnt that the 21-year old Amir will unlikely get the period of his ban reduced, but may get some concession to make a powerful comeback after his ban expires on September 2, 2015.
“Honestly, the outcome remains unseen,” said another board official close to the matter.
“But we are hoping that Amir will be allowed to use PCB’s facilities a few months before he becomes eligible for selection.”
Respite unlikely
While Sethi raised the matter of Amir, no request was made for former captain Salman Butt who also finally confessed to the spot-fixing offence last week.
“There is no sympathy for Butt or Asif, like Amir within the PCB,” said the official.
“Butt was too late to confess and didn’t follow the ICC’s conditions completely after the ban, although he has showed consent to take part in the rehabilitation process.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2013.
COMMENTS (22)
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@antanu: Where did I say I never did anything wrong? I have done wrong but not of magnitude that would tarnish my country's name. We the Pakistanis abroad get the bullies of other nations cos of him and his likes.
This boy was talented and young . Did a mistake , not d end of life . Give him a chance. He is not a terrorist . Bring him back. Will love to see him go against dhoni or tendulkar . Will be classic . Bring him back ASAP . And I know he will come back as a better man . Go aamir
@HRK: dont mind ....as an indian I can understand the negavatism of my compatriots.most of the negative minded comments are from my compatriots who are here with fake names and indentities.mostly WEs are in fact THEYs.its funny how this holier than thou attitude makes people a laughing stock.
@M. A. Changezi: Could you swear on your mother that you did never cheat and was forgiven?
I fail to understand how people have been reacting negatively to him getting a second chance. Would you rate your own kids the same way if they did something wrong? Put yourself in his shoes -- top of the world at a tender age and your mentors and closest friends get you into fixing instead of showing you the right path. Every one of us does wrong things and gets the stick as a result; he just got the worst of it due to being a celebrity. Don't you think his dreams shattered when he found out that he was caught? He did the right thing by accepting his mistake, apologizing to the nation, kept his head low and served his ban. Now when he wants to make amends we should let him. The real achievement would be to become the world's best bowler after serving a 5 year ban at that young age. All the best Amir! =)
@Np: Same thing apply in every part of life you should have not given second chance to Sanjy Dutt,Salmat Khan,Saif Ali Khan they all done wrong and they all have pending cases in courts. Azhar and Jedeja had passed their prime time so you people have impossed life ban why not any investagation against Suresh Raina,Dhoni (as his wife's name is also involved in match fixing).
@Mekaal Shahriyar: So you mean if someone is crimnal and got the punishment and he is guilty of his mistakes doesnt have any right to live normal life so what will he do then. Do crimes for his livelyhood. We all do mistakes in our lifes but our society accept us so Aamir should also be accepted.
The good thing is that age is on his side and he will be only 23 by the time he is eligible for selection. There is no doubt that he was fast becoming one of the best bowlers in international cricket. I really hope that he has learned his lesson, and as a Pakistani cricket fan, it would be exciting to see him back in the team.
Ali Khan
It is true that no one should be punished more than the crime but at the same time one should be eagerly waiting for a thief to get out of jail. This attitude will only make him more arrogant when he returns. Besides pakistan cricket matter are much more than Aamir(one person) to be discussed at ICC meeting.
Policy should be that at the end of ban he should have to ear his selection at every level and benefit of doubt should always be given to others who have been honest throughout their playing days.
I sincerely advise the PCB not to proceed further. What Amir will do and rest of the culprits viz, Salman Butt, Asif and Danish Kanaria. My God , they all have destroyed our cricket history , particularly Image of the Nation. It looks we are really corrupt and helping these corrupt people. One can just think,wherever they will appear , it would recall the past .... No one will say they are saint.This will again damage the country prestige ....again attack on Pakistan. Sethi saheb what should I call you. You have given your whole life global achievement for this criminal person. What the Global world will think of you.Take your statement back for the sake of country. We have so much young talent that just make the Honest and faithful Selection Committee and Pakistan can achieve its Pride.
@Saad, unfortunately,you are correct
ICC's punishment was for 5 years only. To take him back in team or not after that is entirely upto PCB.
In India Azhar and Jadeja have been banned from playing first class cricket for life and I am glad as an Indian. I also hope equally strong action is taken against all those found involved in IPL fixing.
@Pakistan: This cheater did a combo of "wrong things". Number one he cheated. Number 2 he tarnished the image of his country willingly. Number 3 he deceived the faith of his countrymen and women. Number 4 he spoiled the reputation of a sports. Number 5 his "wrong thing" is actually fraud on international level. This cheater has yet not got his full "punishment".But since we Pakistanis like cheaters hence there are comments in this cheater's favour.
@M. A. Changezi: I think you havent any wrong in your life you are an angel by birth. For GOD Sake he has got punihsment for his wrong doing and now he got every right to live normal life.
@Sid: Another chance at what? A few more no-balls? We react hypocritically as a nation, when our so-called 'heroes' get dirty.
@ M. A. Changezi !!!!!
Respect others feeling. Other two guys are pure mature!!! ok and this baby did wrong but the punishment is emmense hard.
Amir is an extraordinary talent.I loved the way he tormented a decent Australian line batting line up when the team was down under.He was really quick and was praised by one and all here in Australia. It is shame he got stuck in this terrible saga. The guys who got away after that dreadful series are the Akmal brothers who virtually threw away the catches after the ball was in their hands!
Atleast some thing to cheer about for Pakistani Cricket fans !!
Very good move by ICC they should give the talent one more chance.Hopefully PCB can protect it;s cricketers better this time and pay them well
Oh for God sakes don't ask for any favour for this kid. Once a thief always a thief. We got load of talent waiting to be picked. Pick a sincere one who wouldn't bring shame to country and his countrymen. We Pakistanis are called 'cheats' cos of him and the likes of him.
Amir is one of my favorite bowler, infact he is the only fast-pacer bowler. Without him, PCB really miss Pakistan fast bowling side. ICC must give Amir one more chance as he learned from his past.
I sincerely hope this kid gets another chance.