Amir vows to respect Pakistan’s green cap, shirt

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LAHORE: Tainted Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir has promised to respect Pakistan’s green cap and shirt after being named for a national camp on Friday.

This would be the first step toward regaining his place in country’s team following a spot-fixing ban.

The 23-year-old has shown impressive form in domestic matches as well as in the Bangladesh Premier League since his five-year ban was relaxed in April this year then completely lifted three months ago.

On Friday cricket selectors cleared him for fitness training camp, which could pave the way for his inclusion in the national team.

Amir said he will do his best to prove he is a changed man. “I promise that I will do my best to respect the prestige of the green cap and Pakistan shirt,” he told news agency.

He was tipped as one of the most talented young fast bowlers when he was jailed in 2011 after admitting bowling no balls the previous summer against England at Lord’s in exchange for cash.

His captain Salman Butt and fellow bowler Mohammad Asif were jailed for similar offences.

At the time of his ban, which derailed his career, Amir was only 18.

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Imran Khan had described him as “the hottest property in international cricket”.