Banned Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir could make an early return to cricket

Mohammad Amir

Banned Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir could be in for an earlier-than-expected entry to cricket if the International Cricket Council (ICC) board authorizes the recent amendment made by the ICC review committee to its anti-corruption code, which is “permitting a banned player to be involved in domestic matches prior to the end of his ban period”,  according to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board. 

The 22-year-old was handed a ban of five years after he admitted to bowling intentional no-balls in a Test match against England at Lord’s in 2010. Pleading guilty, Amir opted not to appeal against the ban, choosing to serve the jail term instead, in addition to attending the rehabilitation program by the ICC in the Queen’s Counsel in England.

It was “very encouraging and yet another step closer to the early entry of Mohammad Amir in cricket,” said the PCB chairman and revamped ICC executive committee member Najam Sethi, when asked about the proposed modification to the anti-corruption code.

Sethi, who is trying hard to bring the left-arm seamer back to action since being appointed as the PCB chairman, after the conclusion of the ICC annual conference in Melbourne, said: “Our representation on the executive committee will ensure Pakistan remains involved in the important decision making.”

Fast bowler Mohammad Asif and batsman Salman Butt, the then captain, banned for 7 and 10 years respectively for the crime, were the other two penalised by the ICC for spot-fixing, along with Amir. 

Pakistan will be able to file a request for Amir’s return once the suggested changes are approved by the ICC.