Amir opts to complete education during ban
Pakistan's banned pace bowler Mohammad Amir was found guilty of corruption by an International Cricket Council tribunal last month. – Photo by AFP
KARACHI: Pakistan’s banned pace bowler Mohammad Amir has decided to finish his degree during his forced isolation from cricket.
The 18-year-old abandoned his studies when he started globetrotting as his career with Pakistan took off but his promising future was abruptly halted after he was found guilty of corruption by an International Cricket Council tribunal last month.
Handed a five-year ban from the sport, Amir said he wanted to use the time productively.
“I had to leave my college studies because of my full-time career in cricket once I was selected for Pakistan. But now I am trying privately to get a college degree,” the teenager said on a news channel.
“I am passing through the toughest period of my life and I have realised just how important it is to get a good education.”
Amir, former test captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, were banned for a minimum of five years after being found guilty of bowling pre-arranged no balls during a test against England last year. They are appealing their bans with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The trio also face criminal charges of accepting bribes and trying to defraud in a case brought by Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service and must appear in a magistrate’s court on March 17 in London.
They all deny any wrongdoing.
Many Pakistan players such as Amir hail from rural backgrounds and are unable to get a good education.
The left arm paceman had been tipped to become one of the best bowlers in the sport after picking up 99 wickets – across tests, ODIs and Twenty20 matches – since making his international debut in July 2009.
But with his career now on hold, he said his family suggested he should focus on his studies to remain busy. He did not specify the nature of his degree.
“I have filed an appeal with the CAS through my lawyer and I am hopeful of a good result and I am also going to London next week to attend the magistrates hearing in the Scotland Yard case against us,” he added.
“I regret not being able to play in the World Cup but I watch the matches. One thing this episode has taught me is to differentiate between true friends and foes.”
good decision best of luck
You would have a great carrier and lot of money.But for more money you start cheating.What kind of lesson you were trying to give our children.You and other two cheaters should have been band for life.Focus on your education and forget about cricket.You and your two other cheaters let down our beloved Pakistan.Shame on all three of you.
Very positive step for Amir. May Allah help him to emerge a better human being from this. Please do not be hasty in criticizing and mocking people for the mistakes they did in the past and for which they are paying dearly and for which they may have already repented. Hadith: Beware of mocking a person for a sin he has already repented of, for if you do, you will not die until you are involved in the same sin!
Amir, Once Pakistan cricketers become superstars they don't know how to handle it. They think world is in their feet and does the most shamefull acts. Leran how to behave normal when people look at you, don't run after money, at this stage money will run after you. Be sober and act normal. You can go for education but it's hard because you don't have a goal for education at this time.
Regards,
Tahir
Good decision but let's not forget he has an appeal lodged with Court of Arbitration for Sports so all is not lost yet. He may get his ban reduced or possibly overturned.
I do agree however, that going back to education is a good move
You are our Hero. you was blined to do that. But now it is good to participate in other activities and also in studies. Never bother about your past and keep going.
Every one makes mistakes, you did and repent. Good to know that you sound more senseable now and prostect you future in more better direction. Hope education will enhance you ability to judge good friends and bad deeds. Godluck fr your future.
he should have been punished but not that much …5 years is a bit too much …no doubt, ICC is ruled by India these days and they know Amir's presence will boast pakistan's chances very much ..
Yes, your decision to complete your education is absolutely correct and it will definitely enhance your career in both side of your life. Do not be dejected, you are young and you have good future both in the field of sport and education. as far as foes and friends are concerned just forget it, and concentrate it on your own. Best of luck and have faith in Aallah.
I think that salman butt needs to be punished more than the others as he asked the bowlers to bowl no balls – how could have amir or asif refuse the captain! no doubt they should be pusnished but salman was the captain of the ship!