One of test cricket’s most notorious and infamous figures could be about to make a dramatic, albeit somewhat controversial, return to the cricket wickets.
Mohammad Amir has been named in Pakistan’s 17 man squad for their match against England on July 14th, according to BBC Sport.
This comes a staggering six years after the left-handed speed bowler was disqualified for a spot fixing scandal, where he was accused of deliberately bowling no-balls against England in order to fix the match. Amir was imprisoned and banned from cricket for five years, a sentence that expired last September and has allowed him to make this controversial return.
The July fixture would see Amir return to the scene of the crime at Lord’s cricket ground in London, which leaves speculation as to the reception he will receive. Despite him having served his three month prison sentence and five year ban, the now 24-year-old Pakistani is unlikely to be looked upon favourably by the crowd.
The spot fixing scandal of 2010 and the shame it brought to the cricketing world is unlikely to have faded much in the eyes of spectators, despite the 2,146 days that will have passed come the match.
Moreover, it will be interesting to see how his form and abilities have changed over the six-year hiatus. This is a phenomenally long time to spend out of any sport and the once highly regarded bowler might find it difficult, if not impossible, to fulfil the potential he showed as an 18 year old, no matter how much time he has spent at the cricket practice nets.
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