Akram believes spot-fixer Aamer should be allowed back into international cricket

Sydney, Mar 30: Former Pakistani bowling great Wasim Akram has backed estranged fast bowler Mohammed Aamer to make a comeback into international cricket after serving his punishment for his mistake in the spot fixing scandal.

“I think we should move on in the Aamer`s case, forgive him as he has served his punishment for the mistake he committed, and allow the youngster another chance,” The Daily Telegraph quoted Akram, as saying. The 19-year-old Aamer was freed from a British jail after serving half of his six-month sentence for spot fixing at the Lord’s Test against England in 2010. Other guilty parties in the spot fixing scandal, Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif, are still serving 30-month and 12-month jail terms respectively. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also banned the three players for a minimum of five years. “As a cricket-loving nation, we must forgive [Aamer]. 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,” Akram said. England’s Kevin Pietersen had claimed that no player caught spot-fixing should be allowed to play again, but Akram said his views doesn’t matters. “If Pakistan is fine, the ICC is fine, then it doesn`t matter what others say. Aamer should play once he serves his ban,” he said. The Pakistan Cricket Board said this month that they would communicate with the ICC to start a rehabilitation process for Aamer, and consider him for selection once he completes his ban. ANI