Mohammad Amir was booed on his return to international cricket after a five-year ban, but took a wicket as Pakistan beat New Zealand in a Twenty20 match.

Image result for Mohammad AmirPakistan pacer Mohammad Aamir was today booed on his return to international cricket by the crowd during the first Twenty20 match against New Zealand here, reports said.

The 23-year-old left-arm pacer was making his first appearance for Pakistan since returning from a five-year ban and jail time for being implicated in a spot-fixing scandal in 2010.

Pakistan defeated the hosts by 16 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with Mohammad Hafeez scoring 61 as they reached 171 for eight. Shahid Afridi’s astute captaincy coupled with an all-round effort, helped Pakistan overcome New Zealand’s challenge.

Aamir opened the bowling, taking 1-31 from four overs, but did not bat.


Back home however, the Pakistan cricket fraternity was relieved to see Aamir make a comeback.

“The crowds and people in New Zealand are very hospitable and friendly and they understand cricket. I was not expecting them to react to Aamir’s comeback today,” wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal said.

Aamir was also welcomed by his former teammates Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif who served five-year bans and varying jail time for involvement in the spot-fixing scandal that broke out in the aftermath of the Lord’s Test in 2010.

“Whatever happened on that tour to England is now history but we have all learnt a lot from it. We learnt that one should never let your people, team and supporters down nor try to spoil an otherwise beautiful sport,” Butt said.

Asif said it is never easy for any pace bowler to make a comeback to international cricket after such a long time.

“I thought Aamir handled the pressure well and bowled well despite the spotlight on him,” Asif said.

Pakistan’s former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said he was happy to see the young Aamir given a second chance.


“In the end we must keep in mind these three have served their time and they are repentant and changed people now.
Aamir’s comeback to the team will only benefit Pakistan cricket,” Akhtar said.
Former Test player Mohammad Yousuf said Aamir deserved a chance to wear the Pakistan shirt again.

“I am hopeful he has learnt his lesson and will now try to win back the confidence of everyone. He did well today and I think in a couple of matches he will be back to his bowling prowess,” the former captain said.

Pakistan manager Intikhab Alam said the victory over New Zealand lifted the spirits of the players.

“The good thing is that Aamir is positive, confident and making everyone put in an effort to gel with the other players. He is doing well.”

What can Amir expect in England?

Matthew Hoggard says Amir will take "a bit of flak" from the Barmy Army if selected for Pakistan's tour of England this summer.
"He will be tested by the English fans," the former England bowler told BBC World's Stumped programme.
"He will have to be strong enough to say: 'Yes, I did do it in the past, but that's behind me.'
"He's going to have to take a bit of flak and get the trust from his team-mates and the public again.
"He's now got to prove beyond doubt that he's whiter than white."
England bowler Mark Wood told BBC Radio 5 live's Friday Sports Panel: "The spot fixing thing caused a big disruption in cricket and the sport took a while to recover. It was shocking.
"Even now if someone bowls a wide or a no ball in certain games you question it and that's because of what happened that day.
"If it was an English player you'd feel certainly let down that you were giving your all for your country and knowing that they blatantly cheated or tried to affect the result in any way.
"It really would leave a bitter taste in my mouth and I would find it difficult to have any sort of sympathy for them if they came back in the team."

Tags: Mohammad Aamir, international cricket, spot-fixing scandal