Mohammad Amir to contest ICC ban
Pakistan's left-arm pace bowler Mohammad Amir, who was banned for five years by the ICC anti-corruption tribunal on spot-fixing charges, has vowed to contest and appeal the ban in the international court of arbitration for sports in Switzerland.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: February 06, 2011 08:44 PM IST
Pakistan's left-arm pace bowler Mohammad Amir, who was banned for five years by the ICC anti-corruption tribunal on spot-fixing charges, has vowed to contest and appeal the ban in the international court of arbitration for sports in Switzerland.
"This is too harsh a decision for charges that I bowled two no-balls deliberately. I was never expecting such a harsh decision. I am in a state of shock but I am going to consult my lawyer and appeal this ban in the international court," Aamir said from Doha late on Saturday.
"I think this is the worst day of my life and I am just disappointed that because of me it is Pakistan that is facing embarrassment that is why we will contest this ban," he said.
The International Cricket Council on Saturday, banned former captain Salman Butt for 10 years and sanctioned seven and five years of ineligibility for pace duo of Mohammad Asif and Amir after finding the three cricketers guilty of spot-fixing during the fourth Test against England at Lord's in late August.
Amir, who was first suspended by the ICC on allegations of spot-fixing last September, said that he had been in touch with his family after the ban was announced and they were supporting him.
"I am really at loss of words to explain my feeling but it is a shocking decision to me. I just want to tell my countrymen to repose faith in me and keep on supporting me. I will come out vindicated," he said.
The 18-year old pacer also made it clear that he had no intention of giving up cricket and would continue his training and practice as he remained hopeful of a comeback.
"Whatever God has ordained for me now perhaps it is for the betterment of my future."
Asked if he felt the Pakistan Cricket Board had not supported him as much as they could have done, the pacer said lot had been said about this in the media and it was obvious to everyone.
"I would not like to comment on it further."
Amir's lawyer, Shahid Karim said he was disappointed that the anti-corruption tribunal had not taken into consideration his clients young age or previous clean disciplinary record while announcing the ban on him.
"Obviously this is a lengthy ban and we were not expecting it. I am disappointed by the decision and we will definitely start preparing for the appeal soon," Karim said.
Amir's brother, Ejaz told the media in Lahore that his younger brother was innocent.
"We will not rest until our appeal is successful. Everyone is disappointed with the decision and it is something that was unexpected. My brother is innocent," Ejaz said.