In a major breakthrough, the ICC has allowed Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir to return to domestic cricket early from his five-year ban for involvement in spot-fixing.
Amir, 22, was jailed for six months and banned for his part in a spot-fixing scam during Pakistan's tour of England in 2010.
"The apex cricket body's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) chairman Sir Ronnie Flanagan, with the prior approval of the ICC Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board, has exercised his discretion to allow Mohammad Amir to return to domestic cricket played under the auspices of the Pakistan Cricket Board with immediate effect," the ICC said in a statement following the conclusion of its two-day Board meetings here.
Amir's five-year ban for his role in spot-fixing was due to end on September 2, 2015, but he has been cleared to play domestic cricket in Pakistan.
Amir, then 17, delivered pre-arranged no balls at Lord's in a plot that also led to the banning of Mohammad Asif and then captain Salman Butt.
The ICC further said: "The ACSU Chairman had exercised the powers vested in him under Article 6.8 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code after he was satisfied that Amir had cooperated with the ACSU by fully disclosing his part in the matters that led to his disqualification, admitting his guilt, showing remorse and cooperating with the Unit's ongoing investigations and by recording messages for the ACSU education sessions."
In the aftermath of the spot-fixing scandal, Amir admitted his guilt and showed remorse. Asif and Butt fought charges before being found guilty at Southwark Crown Court in London. The two were also jailed, with Asif banned from cricket for seven years (two suspended) and Butt 10 years (five suspended).
