Akram, Latif back Mohd Amir to make comeback

Former Pakistan captains Wasim Akram and Rashid Latif feel that Mohammad Amir should be given another chance to play international cricket but only after serving his five-year ban for spot fixing.

"I have no doubt that he should be forgiven and allowed back into international cricket once he serves his ban," Akram told reporters here.

"Pakistan is a cricket loving nation and we all love the game. Amir has served his time in jail and once he serves his ban he should be given another chance. I have no doubt that he is a very talented bowler and it is true he is more talented than I was at his age of 19.

"Lots of people including Imran Khan praised his talent and he was the hottest property in international cricket until he committed that mistake," said Akram, who played 104 Tests and 352 one-dayers in an illustrious career.

Latif insisted that before allowing Amir back into the international cricket, the PCB and ICC must make him a prime example for other young cricketers how their careers can be destroyed if they go down the wrong path.

"I have sympathies for Amir as he is very young but the fact is what he did is a criminal offence and he was put in jail for it. I just say when the ban is over, he should be allowed to make a comeback into cricket. He is a talent that should not be wasted," said Latif.

The pacer was convicted along with teammates, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif for their involvement in the spot-fixing scandal during the Lord's Test in 2010.

The three accused were given different jail terms.

Amir was sentenced for six months, but was released in February due to good behaviour after serving half his sentence, while the other two are still serving their terms.