Former cricketer and Chairman PCB Ramiz Raja says there should not be forgiveness for spot-fixers while referring to the return of Muhammad Amir to the Pakistan Cricket squad.
“My opinion on this is very simple. While sympathy may exist for him [Amir], in my book there is no forgiveness. If God forbid my son was to engage in such actions, I would disown him,” the veteran cricketer said while speaking on a private news channel.
His statements came concerning the return of Muhammad Amir who is currently training in Kakul along with other Pakistani cricketers. Amir had announced his retirement following the problems with the then PCB management in 2020. He has now announced his return.
Recalling his experience as a commentator when the spot-fixing scandal came to light, Raja said: “I remember the time when these players did fixing because I was doing commentary at Lord’s [cricket ground]. People hated me because I was being identified with the fixers, in their opinion, and I can never forget the criticism we faced on media.”
Read more: Mohammad Amir Returns from Retirement, Available for T20 World Cup
It is pertinent to note that Amir was banned from international cricket for five years after being found guilty in a spot-fixing case. He returned in 2016. Amir helped them win the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. This player has played 6 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 50 Twenty20 (T20) matches for Pakistan. Pakistan beat their biggest rivals, India, in the final by a huge score.
It is not clear as of now, if Amir will make it to the final squad for the T20 World Cup and the upcoming series against New Zealand. Regarding the reversal of his retirement from international cricket, Amir said “I still dream to play for Pakistan! life brings us to the point where at times we have to reconsider our decisions.”
“There have been a few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan after discussing with family and we’ll wishers I declare that I am available to be considered for the upcoming t20WC,I want to do this for my country as it comes before my personal decisions. Donning the green jersey and serving my country has always been, and will continue to be, my greatest aspirations,” he said in a tweet on X.