Amir vows to be better human, and cricketer

Published January 29, 2015
Mohammad Amir speaks to the media — Screengrab from DawnNews
Mohammad Amir speaks to the media — Screengrab from DawnNews

LAHORE: With a five-year ban scheduled to expire on September 2 this year, fast bowler Mohammad Amir vows he is all set to make a fresh 'clean' comeback to the game.

At a press conference on Thursday, the 22-year old talked about his plans to move on from his problematic past, which saw him banned and sentenced to six months in prison in England for bowling no-balls at prearranged times.

“You will see Mohammad Amir as a better human now aside from a better cricketer. You will see good developments," he said.

Relatives and fans flocked to celebrate at Amir’s residence in Lahore as the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday allowed Amir to play domestic cricket after a five year ban.

A statement posted to the ICC website on Thursday said that ICC's Anti Corruption and Security Unit Chairman (ACSU), Sir Ronnie Flanagan, has exercised his discretion to allow Amir to return to domestic cricket played under the auspices of the PCB with immediate effect.

Finding it difficult to address global and local scepticism about whether he should be included in the national team, Amir said, “I cannot respond to such opinions. I think my performance will be the only answer.”

The young cricketer appreciated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their efforts to ensure his return to cricket.

He refused to comment on whether he would request the PCB to let his fellow cricketers Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt – who were also banned after being convicted of spotfixing – make a comeback to cricket just like he was allowed to. He said the decision to bring Asif and Butt back was entirely the PCB’s matter.

Amir also disclosed that he did not regret missing the two World cups since his ban, and that he only plans to focus on the present. He said he intends to work on achieving small steps rather than long term goals.

“I want to play with full concentration,” he said.

In response to a question about the time required for his training, Amir said, “My body does not require more than a month, or a month and half.”

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