Amir earns reprieve but ‘hero’s welcome’ ruled out

KARACHI: As expected Mohammad Amir has been handed a reprieve. And as expected the banned Pakistani paceman is making promises that he will make it count.
But contrary to his expectations, there will be no hero’s welcome for the tainted cricketer who was banned and later put behind bars in England for his role in a spot-fixing controversy that rocked the cricket world and brought a bad name for Pakistan back in 2010.
“We are happy that Amir has been allowed to play domestic cricket and we are happy that he is keen on becoming a better human being and a reformed player,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told ‘The News’ on Thursday.
“But we have given the player this message loud and clear that there will be no hero’s welcome for him. He will have to first deserve his place in the national team and then desire for it and more importantly Amir will have to prove that he is actually a reformed man,” he added.
The primary reason why PCB has taken a tough stance regarding Amir’s issue are fears that the banned fast bowler remains a bone of contention in the Pakistani dressing room.
Though there are a few players who have no issues with Amir’s return, most of the national squad’s members are averse to the idea of PCB imposing him on the team.
Also, some of the Board officials are not convinced that Amir has fully learnt his lesson and want PCB to implement a strict and comprehensive plan to monitor the 22-year-old once he returns to domestic cricket.
That return should come sooner rather than later as it is likely that a couple of teams will sign him for domestic matches soon. Even National Bank, who fired Amir in the wake of the spot-fixing scandal, are willing to rehire the pacer. Also keen to rope him in are Karachi Port Trust, according to sources.
A PCB official told this correspondent that the Board has allowed Amir to train at the National Cricket Academy adding that he would have access to all facilities that are meant for leading national cricketers.
Meanwhile, Amir announced on Thursday that ICC’s decision to give him permission to return to the game in Pakistan with immediate effect made it the “best day” of his life.
“This is the best day of my life as the last five years have been a big lesson for me,” he said
“I don’t just want to get back as a top cricketer but also as a better human being who has reformed himself.”
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 bowling deliberate no-balls by pre-arrangement during the fourth test at Lord’s.
The trio, who also served jail sentences in Britain, were given minimum five-year bans by an ICC tribunal while Butt was also given a two-year suspended sentence.
“I need just a month or so to get back to match fitness but it is yet to be decided when and with which team I will resume playing cricket,” he said.
With the first-class matches in Pakistan over this season, Amir only has the possibility of either playing the non-first class Grade two tournament or in the super eight T20 event after the World Cup.
Amir sought everyone’s support in his comeback bid.
“I promise I will not disappoint them and I will try to allay their concerns with my behaviour and performance on the field.
“I am also ready to play my role in helping players understand why it is important to play cricket according to its spirit.”
Amir’s five-year ban was scheduled to expire on September 2 but ICC’s anti-corruption unit (ACSU) chairman Ronnie Flanagan exercised his discretion to allow him to return to domestic cricket with immediate effect.
“The ACSU Chairman... was satisfied that Amir had cooperated with the ACSU by fully disclosing his part in the matters that led to his disqualification, admitting his guilt, showing remorse and cooperating with the Unit’s ongoing investigations and by recording messages for the ACSU education sessions,” the governing body said in a statement.
Amir was marked as a great prospect for Pakistan in his early days and at the age of 18 he became the youngest bowler to capture 50 Test wickets during the controversial Test match at Lord’s in 2010.
According to a revised anti-corruption code, a banned player can appeal to ICC’s ACSU to allow him to resume playing domestic cricket before the end of his ban.
The PCB decided to help Amir with his appeal but ruled out helping Butt and Asif with any relaxation.
Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria is also serving a life ban since 2012 for spot-fixing.
PCB lawyer Tafazzul Rizvi said Amir will be monitored closely during his return to domestic matches.
“The ICC code was followed in the process and now PCB will monitor Amir´s behaviour in the next few months and only after that will he be eligible to return to international cricket,” Rizvi said.
Legendary Pakistani left-arm quick Wasim Akram, to whom Amir was compared, said it was right to give the youngster a second chance.
“A young boy committed a blunder and for that he has been punished,” Wasim said. “As a nation we must forgive as he has completed the rehab mandatory for banned players.
“We must adopt a ´forget and forgive´ policy and Amir should also show that he is now a better human being.”