Light on the horizon: Is an early comeback for banned cricketer Amir on the cards?
ICC recently interviewed Amir to see whether any changes in him during the ban. Will take a decision next week
Amir's ban expires in August 2015. PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE:
The introduction of International Cricket Council's (ICC) revised anti-corruption code has offered a ray of hope for banned Pakistani fast bowler Muhammad Amir, who could start playing first class cricket as early as next month, EspnCricInfo reported.
The ICC on Friday interviewed Amir in Lahore to see whether his five year ban, which started on February 5, 2011, had effected any change in him as a player.
He, along with then Pakistan team captain Salman Butt and bowler Mohammad Asif had been banned for spot-fixing during a Test match series with England.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had in November sent a letter to the ICC, seeking an early return to domestic cricket for the young pacer.
ICC had last year made changes to its anti-corruption law, which made it possible for banned players to return to domestic cricket before the end of their suspensions.
A final decision on Aamer's appeal will be taken in ICC Board meeting in Dubai next week.
A PCB spokesperson confirmed Amir's potential return.
"It is most likely that Aamer will get reprieve to play domestic cricket," said Agha Akber.
PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said last week that Amir will be monitored in first-class cricket before returning to international cricket. His five year ban expires in August this year.
The fast-bowler is expected to benefit the most from the changes and the board is hopeful that he will be allowed to resume cricket at least in the domestic circuit from February 2015.
Amir, however, has already started physical training in order to get fit ahead of his expected return to domestic cricket. He claims that he already has several offers lined up from local departments.
Meanwhile, former skipper Salman Butt has stepped up his efforts to complete his rehabilitation after being told by the PCB that he will have to come out clean and accept his mistake with a clear heart.
Butt has been seeking the board’s guidance to complete the process of rehabilitation and a letter has been sent to him describing what steps need to be taken for him to gain the PCB’s confidence.
The PCB has said that Butt and Asif -- who took time to plead guilty to their charges and have not completed a mandatory rehabilitation, their cases will not be taken up with the ICC.
The introduction of International Cricket Council's (ICC) revised anti-corruption code has offered a ray of hope for banned Pakistani fast bowler Muhammad Amir, who could start playing first class cricket as early as next month, EspnCricInfo reported.
The ICC on Friday interviewed Amir in Lahore to see whether his five year ban, which started on February 5, 2011, had effected any change in him as a player.
He, along with then Pakistan team captain Salman Butt and bowler Mohammad Asif had been banned for spot-fixing during a Test match series with England.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had in November sent a letter to the ICC, seeking an early return to domestic cricket for the young pacer.
ICC had last year made changes to its anti-corruption law, which made it possible for banned players to return to domestic cricket before the end of their suspensions.
A final decision on Aamer's appeal will be taken in ICC Board meeting in Dubai next week.
A PCB spokesperson confirmed Amir's potential return.
"It is most likely that Aamer will get reprieve to play domestic cricket," said Agha Akber.
PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said last week that Amir will be monitored in first-class cricket before returning to international cricket. His five year ban expires in August this year.
The fast-bowler is expected to benefit the most from the changes and the board is hopeful that he will be allowed to resume cricket at least in the domestic circuit from February 2015.
Amir, however, has already started physical training in order to get fit ahead of his expected return to domestic cricket. He claims that he already has several offers lined up from local departments.
Meanwhile, former skipper Salman Butt has stepped up his efforts to complete his rehabilitation after being told by the PCB that he will have to come out clean and accept his mistake with a clear heart.
Butt has been seeking the board’s guidance to complete the process of rehabilitation and a letter has been sent to him describing what steps need to be taken for him to gain the PCB’s confidence.
The PCB has said that Butt and Asif -- who took time to plead guilty to their charges and have not completed a mandatory rehabilitation, their cases will not be taken up with the ICC.