Mohammad Amir thanks Michael Atherton for role in rehabilitation

Sport360 staff 18:26 22/09/2015
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  • Amir is hoping to return to the game.

    Pace bowler Mohammad Amir has thanked Michael Atherton for his support during his ban for spot-fixing, after describing his time away from cricket as the "lowest" he had ever felt.

    Amir was one of three Pakistanis – then captain Salman Butt and seamer Mohammad Asif the other two – to serve time in prison and long bans from cricket for their roles in the spot-fixing scam to bowl no-balls to order in the Lord's Test against England in 2010.

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    Amir, once tipped to follow in the footsteps of compatriot and World Cup winner Wasim Akram, admitted he contemplated giving up the game during that period but is now keen to rebuild his career. 

    While thanking his support network, Amir also reserved space for former England captain Atherton, who in his role with Sky Sports had interviewed the lanky fast bowler upon his release from prison in 2012.

    "(I'm) really appreciative of the ICC's decision for allowing me the opportunity to return to cricket before my ban was due to end," Amir told www.pakpassion.net.

    He added: "Mike Atherton is someone else whose words and support really gave me a boost and inspired me.

    "I've been given a second opportunity. Sometimes in life you don't get a second chance, but I want to make the most of this second life I have been given.

    "That support was vital at a time when I was at my lowest and I will always be grateful to those people around me who showed me support when I needed it most."

    Amir's ban from competitive cricket came to an end in early September, and though he has maintained a level of fitness by playing domestic cricket, he was not selected for the upcoming series against England in the United Arab Emirates.

    In looking back on his time in prison, Amir said: "It was a very difficult time for me. During those days cricket and playing cricket again were the last things on my mind.

    "In fact it was whilst in prison that I decided I wouldn't play cricket ever again. However my legal representatives really supported me through that time and motivated me to not give up on cricket.

    "It's down to their support and the support from friends that I am playing cricket again, otherwise I would have walked away for good from the game I have always loved."

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