Recalled Pakistan paceman Amir vows to be a good boy
Karachi, Pakistan (AFP) Paceman Mohammad Amir promised to respect
Pakistan's green cap and shirt after being named for a national camp on
Friday, the first step toward regaining his place in the country's team
following a spot-fixing ban.

Mohammad Amir |
The 23-year-old has shown impressive form in domestic matches as well
as in the Bangladesh Premier League since his five-year ban was relaxed
in April this year then completely lifted three months ago.
On Friday cricket selectors cleared him for fitness training camp,
which could pave the way for his inclusion in the national team.
Amir was tipped as one of the most talented young fast bowlers when
he was jailed in 2011 after admitting bowling no balls the previous
summer against England at Lord's in exchange for cash.
Amir said he will do his best to prove he is a changed man.
"I promise that I will do my best to respect the prestige of the
green cap and Pakistan shirt," he told AFP.
At the time of his ban, which derailed his career, Amir was only 18.
Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Imran Khan had described him as "the
hottest property in international cricket".
Since his return, Amir has taken 22 wickets in four non first-class
games, while his tally of wickets in the qualifying rounds of the
Quaid-e-Azam trophy stood at 34.
He then took nine wickets in two first class matches of Quaid-e-Azam
trophy while scoring two half centuries.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan and head coach Waqar
Younis earlier this month hinted Amir could return to the national team
after completing a rehabilitation programme following the lifting of his
ban.
The 26 players included for the fitness camp will be eligible for the
team's limited over series in New Zealand starting from January 15.
"The main objective of the camp is to improve the overall physical
fitness of all players and to enhance the technical aspect of each
player's game and to prepare them for the upcoming international
events," said a Pakistan Cricket Board press release.
Pakistan will play three one-day and as many Twenty20 internationals
on their tour of New Zealand.
They then feature in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh followed by the World
Twenty20 in India in March-April. |