Speaking with PakPassion.net the source stated that Amir's recent meeting with PCB officials was very fruitful and both parties were eager for the teenager to start his rehabilitation. At this moment Amir is very eager for the process to commence."

By Saj Sadiq (22nd March, 2012)

 

Nineteen year old Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir is very keen to commence the process of rehabilitation, according to a source close to Amir and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Speaking with PakPassion.net the source stated that Amir's recent meeting with PCB officials was very fruitful and both parties were eager for the teenager to start his rehabilitation. At this moment Amir is very eager for the process to commence."

Haroon Lorgat speaking with ESPNCricinfo recently stated "Part of the sanction he (Amir) received from the ICC tribunal was to educate himself and for him to educate others". It would seem that Amir will very soon begin that process of educating himself and others.

In addition Lorgat suggested for Amir to "Come into the education process and don't just give up the game, retain his faith in the future. He must be prepared to tell his story and explain to others what they need to be careful of." The source stated that "5 years is a long time for anyone to be away from professional sport and a lot can happen in 5 years. At his juncture Amir is keen on making a return to cricket after his ban is over, but it cannot be taken for granted. He seems keen to play cricket again, but we will have to see nearer the time whether he is mentally and physically ready to take on that challenge once again."

The source further confirmed that Amir had been accompanied by a member of his legal team when he met PCB officials and that during the meeting it was agreed by both parties that it is in Amir's best interests to begin the process of rehabilitation sooner rather than later.

Banned from all cricket for 5 years after spot fixing during the Lords Test in 2010, Amir has up till now stated that he will not appeal against the 5 year ban to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS). The source added that "Amir intends to use his time away from the game to educate himself further, recommence his studies so he has a career to fall back upon after cricket and also to educate others on the dangers of corruption. He wants to help the PCB in ensuring that no other young cricketers fall foul of corruption in future and he wants young cricketers in Pakistan to learn from what he has to say to them and from his mistakes."

The source further added that "The PCB is awaiting guidance from the ICC before finalising a plan of action for Amir and that the PCB and ICC will work very closely to outline the rehabilitation program for Amir."

Amir was scheduled to hold a press conference in Lahore recently but that was cancelled. The source stated "The intention was to present Amir to the media and to hold a press conference, rather than the media constantly chasing after Amir. However that conference was cancelled after discussions with Amir and his legal representative, but there is a possibility that it could happen in future."