PCB to request ICC to allow Amir resume domestic cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to push the case of banned pacer Mohammad Amir to at least allow him to resume domestic cricket when the International Cricket Council (ICC) executive board meet in London from October 17 to 19. 

A source in the board informed that the PCB was hopeful that it would be able to convince the ICC to allow the young left armer to resume training at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore under the supervision of the national coaches. 

"The PCB had hired a law firm in London to look into Amir's case and prepare a report which has now been sent to the ICC for consideration and discussion at the board meeting," the source said. 

"Sethi on the basis of the legal report would try to convince the board to allow Amir to resume training at the national cricket academy in Lahore under specialised coaches. 

"PCB's caretaker chairman Najam Sethi and chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad will be going to London for the meeting and Amir issue is on the top of their list of priorities," he added. 

Sethi had also brought up the Amir issue at the last ICC board meeting after which the world body formed a special committee headed by Giles Clarke to look into the matter. 

"Clarke will also be presenting the committee's findings at the board meeting," the source revealed. 

Amir was banned for five years for spot fixing by the anti-corruption tribunal of the ICC in early 2011 and later also served a jail sentence in the United Kingdom after being found guilty by a crown court. 

His teammates Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were also given minimum five year bans by the ICC for spot fixing in the fourth Test against England at Lords in 2010. 

All three players had admitted to their crime and apologised to the Pakistani fans and the PCB for their actions and have agreed to undergo rehabilitation programs, and cooperate with the ICC anti-corruption and security unit.

Amir was pretty optimistic of being granted permission to play domestic cricket.

"I am really grateful to the PCB and Sethi sir for taking up my case with the ICC because staying away from cricket has been the most difficult time in my life," Amir told Geo Super channel.

"I have realised the blunder I made and have apologised and accepted the punishment handed out to me. I am also cooperating with the board and undergoing rehabilitation. I just hope that the ICC allows me to play domestic cricket again," he said.

The pacer, whose ban technically ends in September 2015, said he was hopeful the ICC would also look at his case on compassionate grounds given he has already served time in jail.

"I just want to play cricket again and if I get this chance, I swear I will never let my countrymen down again. I have learnt bitter lessons at a young age in the last few years," Amir insisted.

Image: Mohammad Amir

Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images