Days after allowing tainted pacer Mohammad Amir to train at the National High-Performance Centre, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi has revealed that the former fast bowler of the Green Army can make a sensational return to international cricket.
The former Pakistan fast bowler retired from international cricket back in 2020. Amir famously claimed that he had been “mentally tortured” by the team management before the star cricketer announced his retirement from international cricket.
Amir was snubbed from the PCB’s list of central contracts prior to his retirement from international cricket. Addressing the media in a press conference in Lahore on Monday, PCB chief Sethi issued a noteworthy statement about Amir, who is representing Sylhet Strikers in the 2023 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League.
The PCB chief assured that he has always taken a strong stance against match-fixing. However, he still believes that Amir is allowed to make a comeback in international cricket. The PCB chief said that Amir can return to international cricket under one condition.
“Mohammad Amir can play international cricket for Pakistan if he takes his retirement back. I always took a strong stance against match-fixing. I believe no convicted player should be spared, but at the same time, a player should be allowed to resume international cricket once he has completed his years of penalty,” Sethi said. Earlier, PCB chief Sethi had launched an attack on his predecessor and former Pakistani cricketer – Ramiz Raja.
“Mohammad Amir thinks he is not dealt fairly by the previous regime of PCB, including selection committee and chairman Ramiz Raja. Ramiz Raja thinks whoever has committed corruption in cricket should never be allowed to play for Pakistan again. This is not my view! I believe someone who has paid the penalty should be allowed to make a comeback for Pakistan,” Sethi had said.
The PCB boss had also asserted that he will not stop Amir if he wants to make himself available to play for the Babar Azam-led side. Amir, who will turn 31 in April this year, has played 36 Tests, 61 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 50 T20Is for Pakistan. Amir made his international debut against England at the Kennington Oval back in 2009.
