Mohammad Amir's five-year ban from cricket for spot fixing is too harsh, according to PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf.
PCB boss urges young fast bolwer to appeal fixing ban
Mohammad Amir's five-year ban from cricket for spot fixing is too harsh, according to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf.
Amir was convicted, along with former captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, for helping to arrange the delivery of deliberate no-balls during the 2010 Lord's test against England.
The 19-year-old was handed a five-year ban from the sport in February last year following an investigation by an International Cricket Council tribunal.
He also served three months of a six-month sentence in a young offenders' institution in Britain after pleading guilty to the charges at Southwark Crown Court.
In a television interview this week, Amir accused Butt and agent Mazhar Majeed of tricking him into bowling the no-balls.
Rehabilitation
And Ashraf, who met Amir recently following his release, said the fast bowler was apologetic about his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal and being made to pay too high a price for his involvement.
"Amir could have become the best bowler in the world," said Ashraf of the bowler, who, shortly before the scandal erupted, had become the youngest player ever to take 50 Test wickets.
"He has served his prison sentence and that matter is now closed, but the issue of the ICC (International Cricket Council) ban is obviously still ongoing.
"I think the five-year ban is too harsh and it is down to Amir if he wishes to appeal against that lengthy ban imposed upon him.
"I would suggest that he does appeal against the ban and I think the relevant body should take a lenient view given his age and the talent he possesses."
Amir, who is to give talks to other cricketers in Pakistan about his experiences, told the ICC last month that he did not intend to appeal, officials said.
Ashraf said the PCB planned to provide expert help, including psychiatric treatment, to help the player's rehabilitation.
