Mohammad Amir deserves a second chance, says Imran Khan

Amir had served a five-year ban and also a jail term for spot-fixing.

Karachi: Former Pakistan cricketer turned politician Imran Khan has joined those supporting the return of tainted left arm pacer Mohammad Aamir to the national squad.

Aamir is in line to get his first chance to play for Pakistan since 2010 when the national selectors announce the ODI and T20 squads for the tour to New Zealand later this week.

Having served a five-year ban and also a jail term for spot-fixing, Aamir is presently training with the other national team players in the camp in Lahore. Imran said on the Ary news channel that he felt Aamir deserved some compassion.

"He was 18 when this spot fixing scandal took place. The good thing is that he admitted his guilt, cooperated with the ICC, served his punishment and has also undergone rehabilitation. I think he deserves a second chance," Imran said. "Any 19-year old boy can make a mistake and Aamir did that.

What I see is that he has reformed and is repentant for what he did," Imran said. The former captain said that he also supported giving another chance to Aamir as they were criminals running scot free in the country.

"They are criminals involved in running this country. It makes no sense to me than that someone who has been punished for his crime should not be given another chance at redemption," he said. Imran called on former players, the authorities and fans to support Aamir in his comeback.

"He should be supported. He is a talent for Pakistan and if he has served his punishment than he should return to international cricket. He will boost the team resources." The Pakistan Cricket Board said today that former captain and senior player Shoaib Malik had been asked to watch over Aamir and guide him in his comeback trail.

Malik is leading the Karachi team in the Pakistan Super League and wasted no time in picking the left arm pacer in his franchise.