PAKISTAN NEWS

Mohammed Amir set for domestic return

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Aamer bowls during a domestic match in Lahore. © Cricbuzz

Mohammad Amir, who was handed a five-year ban in 2010 for his involvement in the spot-fixing controversy, is set to embark on the long road to redemption starting with his return to domestic cricket on Monday, 9th March 2015.

The 22-year-old left-arm quick will represent Omar Associates in the Patron's Trophy Grade-II national tournament at the Army Cricket Ground in the garrison city Rawalpindi near the capital.

His club's three-day match against a side fielded by the Army will be contingent on the weather. Northern Pakistan is currently experiencing an unseasonal bout of torrential rainfall, though it is predicted to clear up by Monday.

Amir was one of three Pakistani players banned from the game for at least five years for arranging no-balls to order in a Test against England at Lord's in 2010. He was also jailed in Britain in 2011, along with former captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif.

Amir's ban was due to expire on September 2, but International Cricket Council (ICC) used discretionary powers to allow him to return to domestic cricket early, citing his early admission of guilt and cooperation with anti-corruption authorities.

Upon hearing the news, Amir had vowed to become a better player and better human being. "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," he told AFP in a phone interview in January.

Picked out as a special talent by fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram in 2007, Amir's pace, control, and ability to swing the ball both ways saw him become the youngest bowler, at 18, to take 50 Test wickets including five-wicket hauls in his last two matches.

His return has been eagerly awaited by most fans in Pakistan, though some notable critics, including former captain Ramiz Raja, have argued he should not be given a second chance in the sport.

© Cricbuzz (with inputs from agencies)

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