Much has been debated about in these forums, about how Amir should or should not be allowed to make a comeback into the team. There have been hordes of Pakistanis and non-Pakistanis who are in favor and just as many who are not in favor of this comeback...

I have a different opinion to some others and I will not make the comeback as the substance of my argument from an opinion based perspective. For opinions always differ and one can never say whose opinion has more credence than the others. To make a long and fruitless argument stating that Amir should not come back or should come back will again always find differing results. 

My argument is focusing on other perspectives that we have blindly ignored or perhaps chose to ignore because a real talent might be able to come back soon...


My first argument is this... 

1. If Amir is allowed to come back into the team and I am looking at the best rosy cased scenario here, what kind of message does that send to the rest of Pakistani players who have been working hard for 3 or 4 years to just get a chance in the team ?

That there are always extenuating circumstances for people who are special compared to those who are not? 
That hard work can be substituted by selection committee in favor of those who are specially privileged or so-called talented?


2. Let's assume that some of you will say , Amir has to prove himself in domestic before he comes back ... What kind of influence will Amir's presence have on the domestic scene? Will he be respected by young and old players alike ? Will he be able to establish himself a niche in the domestic surroundings? Will he be able to perform at the full potential ?


3. Let's assume he overcomes all those scenarios and still manages to perform. What then? Do we select him ? If we select him , what kind of message are we sending to the world? That in Pakistan , it you do a mistake , it's okay, we forgive and let you come back ? It's okay if you cheat, you will still get a chance in the future after sending jail time?


4. Last of all ? What kind of psychological impact will Amir's presence will have in the team national colors? Will they treat him nicely ? Will he be able to accept the taint that stands on his name forever? Will he be able to adjust ? Will the other team members be able to adjust to Amir's presence?


The questions that I have put forward are not completely exhaustive but they are from a a neutral Pakistani perspective.. 

I for one do not think Amir will be fast-tracked into the side , as soon as his ban is over. There are many eventualities to consider and many technical details to iron out before he can be drafted in directly. Even then , If he is fast-tracked I would call this a dumb move on part of Pakistan Cricket Board .. 

The people, the cricket community in general, and the players and spectators all deserve a clean mind from Amir, they need to be sure that he is ready to go and do things that wont be detrimental to the game again...

I fear for Amir. I think the road is long and arduous. It will take exceptional amount of training and will power to actually be able to face all those hurdles and come out unscathed and a winner....

Discuss!