ICC allows Amir to play domestic cricket

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allowed Mohammad Amir to resume playing cricket at the domestic level in Pakistan.

The decision came after an ICC meeting which was attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan.

An ICC press release stated that Amir had been allowed to return to domestic cricket played under the auspices of the PCB with immediate effect.

ACSU Chairman, Sir Ronnie Flanagan had exercised the powers vested in him under Article 6.8 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code after he was satisfied that Amir had cooperated with the ACSU by fully disclosing his part in the matters that led to his disqualification, admitting his guilt, showing remorse and cooperating with the Unit’s ongoing investigations and by recording messages for the ACSU education sessions.

Amir’s five year ban is set to expire on 2 September 2015. Amir was banned along with former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and strike bowler Mohammad Asif for deliberately indulging in spot fixing in summer 2010.

The relaxation comes in light of the ICC having revised the players´ code of conduct in November last year, adding a provision that allows a banned player to play in domestic games a certain period prior to the end of the ban.

Earlier, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said, Amir will be monitored in first-class cricket before returning to international cricket.

Before the ban Amir was described as cricket´s "hottest property" by legendary Pakistan pace-man Imran Khan.