International Cricket Council (ICC) may change its anti-corruption code and allow banned players to play competitive cricket at domestic level within a certain period before the end of their bans.
Almost five years ago, Pakistani cricketers Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were found guilty of spot fixing in England. While Amir was handed over a 5-year ban, Butt got 10 years and Asif a 7-year ban.
So, is it time for Amir to come back to the game? "Yes," says cricket expert Ayaz Memon on #Cricket-O-Mania.
"It is time for him to get back to playing. He was a player with great promise for Pakistan. He is only 22-23 years. He has got a full career ahead of him. Amir will be a huge boon for Pakistan," Memon added.
Pradeep Magazine, sports advisor, Hindustan Times, also said that he sees no harm in allowing Amir to get back to the game. "Amir was seen as a better bowler than Wasim Akram at that age (18-19 years). Pakistan would want him back as soon as possible."
Memon said that while it is difficult to eradicate spot fixing, punishment has to be reformative. "In Amir's case, law had acted against Amir, not ICC," Magazine said, and added: "Such cases may not work here in India."
Memon concluded by saying that only mentoring can work in the long run.