Pakistan's former bowling great Wasim Akram swung behind Mohammad Amir yesterday, saying he deserves to be forgiven and allowed back into international cricket after serving a ban for spot-fixing.
Pakistan's former bowling great Wasim Akram swung behind Mohammad Amir yesterday, saying he deserves to be forgiven and allowed back into international cricket after serving a ban for spot-fixing.
Wasim Akram
"I think we should move on in Amir's case, forgive him as he has served his punishment for the mistake he committed and allow the youngster another chance," Wasim told AFP.
The 19-year-old Amir was released from a British jail after serving half of his six-month sentence for spot-fixing at the Lord's Test against England in 2010.
Mohammad Amir
Amir bowled deliberate no-balls, together with his new-ball partner Mohammad Asif. Pakistan's then captain Salman Butt and agent Mazhar Majeed were found guilty of contriving the no-balls in exchange for cash.
"As a cricket-loving nation we must forgive him (Amir). He has done his time and once he serves his ban he should be allowed back into international cricket as he is one of the most talented bowlers," said Wasim.
Amir was likened to Wasim during the 2010 England tour and Wasim himself admitted Amir was a better bowler than he was aged 19. "Lots of people including Imran Khan praised his talent and he was the hottest property in international cricket until he committed that mistake," said Wasim.
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