Amir is innocent, says brother

Karachi:

The elder brother of Mohammad Amir, who is in the middle of a spot-fixing scandal, on Tuesday dismissed all allegations levelled against the Pakistani fast bowler and said he was innocent.

Mohammad Ijaz said in an interview that he was in touch with his brother constantly.

"He is feeling depressed and is under a lot of tension since this controversy broke out. He has told us repeatedly that he is innocent and has never done anything against the interests of Pakistan cricket," Ijaz said.

"We believe him because we know well and we know what sort of person he is. If he says he is innocent then he is innocent."

Ijaz said he had assured his brother not to lose hope and keep faith in God.

"We have told him remain firm and the truth will come out and you will be vindicated soon."

Ijaz felt that the betting charges against Amir were made because he was an upcoming cricketer and had performed very well in England.

"Amir is very disappointed with this situation and it is hard for him to reconcile that he is being accused of spot fixing," Ijaz said.

He also said it was funny that one could accuse his brother of fixing because he bowled two no-balls.

The father of Kamran and Umar Akmal also told a television channel that he and the rest of his family were under a lot of stress because of the false allegations made against his children.

"It is a difficult situation for the family to see people brand my children and other players guilty without even waiting for the investigations to be completed. I know my children are innocent. In the past similar allegations have been made against Kamran," Mohammad Akmal said.