Banned Pak pacer Amir returns to domestic cricket

Banned Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has received an early reprieve for a return to domestic cricket following his cooperation with anti-corruption officials, the International Cricket Council said on Thursday.

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 incidents during the fourth test at Lord's.

Amir's five-year ban was scheduled to expire on September 2 but the 22-year-old could return to domestic cricket with immediate effect, the ICC said in a statement.