Amir was jailed in England for spot-fixing during a test match at Lord's in 2010. PHOTO: AFP
Amir's five-year ban was scheduled to expire on September 2 but the 22-year-old could return to domestic cricket with immediate effect, the ICC said in a statement. The decision to relax his ban came after two years of efforts by the Pakisatan Cricket Board (PCB).
"It's the biggest news of my life," he told AFP by phone adding that "It was the most difficult phase of my life but I am sure it's over now and I am keen to return to international grounds."
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Amir were all banned for spot-fixing during Pakistan's tour of England in 2010, particularly for incidents during the fourth test at Lord's.
The decision to let Amir play domestic cricket was made following the ICC board meeting in Dubai on January 28. Amir flew to Dubai a few days back to have a one-on-one interview with ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) head Sir Ronnie Flannagan.
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The fast-bowler made headlines as a teenager when he played an important part in helping Pakistan win their maiden World Twenty20 title in 2009, which was his first international cricket tournament.
He quickly evolved into a genuine match-winner, picking up 51 wickets in 14 Tests, 25 in 15 ODIs and 23 in 18 T20Is before he was banned along with teammates Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif in the spot-fixing case.
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Amir’s first domestic appearance may occur in the Super-Eight T20 Tournament, which will be the last event of the current domestic season. However, the dates of the event have not been finalised yet and may be staged after the World Cup.
However, there is also a perception among the current and ex-cricketers, fans and administrators that Amir should not be given a second chance to resume cricket.
Some of the domestic and discarded international cricketers feel that they have worked hard to get into some sort of reckoning and it would be unjust to them if Amir is chosen ahead of them.
Speaking exclusively to Express News Mohammad Amir expressed gratitude to all his fans and family who supported him over the course of the past four and a half years, paying particular attention to his wife.
"My wife has supported me tremendously and has helped me through everything," Amir said adding that he would be announcing the good news of his wedding soon.
He further added that his cricket and fitness were his main focus and he urged his friends and family to continue praying for him.
"I am confident to perform well and I will use my full potential to serve Pakistan," he said.
Concluding, the pace bowler thanked Express News for their support and that he was grateful for never hearing any negative news about himself.
In a press conference this afternoon, Amir reiterated his gratitude for all those who showed him support during his ban and was thankful to the ICC.
"I am very glad to hear ICC's decision," the player said.
Commenting on his performance, Amir said that "all players come under pressure and they have to handle the pressure in a professional manner."
In an answer to a question on how long he thought he would need to polish up on his fitness, Amir said "I don't think I should need more than one month. I know my body and I have been playing in unregistered matches to keep up with my practice."
With reference to the ban and the match-fixing, Amir was adamant to put the past behind him and focus entirely what he said was his 'new life'. "As well as a better player, people will see a better human being," he added.
Not wanting to get involved in Butt and Asif's ban, Amir said that it was between the PCB and ICC and they will make the decision in which he said he had no input.
Amir gave his best wishes for Pakistan's team in the upcoming World Cup next month and said that "as a nation we should all support them and be praying for them."
COMMENTS (14)
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Regardless of his social background or level of education, Amir deserves a second chance because he had the decency to own his fault from day one, accept his punishment and then work harder to prove himself all over again - and it's a very, very rare thing in this country (the other two, Salman Butt and Asif, are a living example of that). Those in the team who are against his return are concerned more about their own positions instead of 'honesty' or any such noble intentions, because they know that in the end talent trumps all and this kid has way more of it than any of these old parchi players.
look at those teeth.. jeez!!
@Ch. Allah Daad: If your young son did something wrong will u never trust him again. We do mistakes, we learn from those. I am surprised why we expect our stars to be saints when in real life we violate law on daily basis and consider that as our right.
On another perspective, do we seriously need another left arm pacer when Juanid and Irfan and Rahat Ali are already there, i think we need to bring Salman butt back, if at all we need any one of these cheaters
Let's hope he gets his dental work done before getting on the pitch again. Jokes aside, welcome back!!
He's payed his dues to society. Why shouldn't he be able to live a normal life.
@Dr. Asad Sadick, Germany: two wrongs doesn't make one thing right. We should set an example that we better than other countries.
@Adnan Khan: If a your cashier is caught steeling your money, would you give him another chance? No sane person would let him sit at cash register again. Representation of a country is more sacred and honourable than anything.
ET whos running your FB page? I am unable to comment on your posts , Why?
If he makes it to the national team, that would be the end of morality, credibility and integrity of the team and perhaps our nation.
Shameful to see the media advocating return of this cheater. Shows the penchant of this nation for the corrupt and the criminal
If a person have completed his sentence than he should be given an equal opportunity in all forms of life. If Amir fits the selection criteria than no one should raise voice against his selection. If we are barring Amir from taking any part in cricket, than we are denying the very concept of justice in a society. Very concept of punishments (except for crime against humanity) is to give person a chance to learn from mistake and after the punishment, become a normal part of society. If we are not giving him the right to be part of society than we are again pushing him back towards the crime world. He is as susceptible to crime as any other member of our society. So we should all welcome him back. Best of Luck Amir.
We will never set an example in this country and continue to give chances to all those who have hurt the national interest of Pakistan. We as a nation will never rise unless we adopt a zero tolerance policy against corruption. If we allow Amir to play then we will keep that door open for all the corrupts in cricket.
If the likes of NS and AZ can be given more than two chances, whats wrong with giving Amir a second chance. He at least will deliver whereas our so called leaders have never delivered nor do they have the intention to do so. Critics of Amir are being holier than the Pope.