Pakistan in his early days. 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 the ICC to allow him to resume playing domestic cricket before the end of the ban.
The PCB had decided to help Amir with his appeal but ruled out helping Butt and Asif with any relaxation.
Though the ban is lifted, serious opposition from officials and hostility from Pakistan’s cricket-obsessed fans will mean the road to redemption will be a long one for the tainted trio.
Age also weighs heavily against Butt and Asif and the long lay-off has exposed their fragile fitness.
“Their return will be the biggest injustice to players who play clean cricket,” former cricket captain Rashid Latif said. “There should not be any space for criminals in international cricket.”
But the players said they have served their time and hoped the nation has forgiven them.
“People come to watch my practice sessions and pray for my return,” Butt, 30, said. “This shows that they have forgiven me and want to see me in action again.” Meanwhile, Amir issued a public apology to fans and players on Wednesday as his five-year ban for spot-fixing expired, vowing to make a fresh beginning.
“I sincerely apologise to everyone I have hurt — my colleagues, my fans, family and my country,” he said in a statement.
“I will never be able to explain how much I regret the mistake I made at the promising start of my career. I disappointed my teammates and seniors who expected much better from me.”
A precocious talent, Amir graduated to play for Pakistan aged just 17 in 2009 and received widespread sympathy from across the cricketing world at the time of his ban.
Partly because of his youth and naivety, the ICC earlier this year allowed him to return early to domestic cricket.
He featured in Grade-II cricket in April, taking an impressive 22 wickets in four matches before getting injured.
Amir said he wanted to win over doubting fans through his performances.
“I am not sure if I can ever be truly forgiven but I hope to win your trust and love with my upcoming performances. I believe this will be the best way to redeem the past,” he said.
“No matter how sorry I feel I can’t change the past. What I can do is start fresh and make a cleaner and brighter history, for myself and for Pakistan.”
Former players were divided on whether the three players should be allowed to play for Pakistan again.
While former captains Ramiz Raja and Rashid Latif vociferously opposed the tainted trio’s return to the national side, pace legends Wasim Akram, Imran Khan and Shoaib Akhtar advocated a second chance.
Amir said he has set small goals for himself and is not targeting an early return to international cricket.