Citizen files petition in court to prevent Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir's return to cricket

Mohammad Amir made his return to competitive cricket in a club match in Lahore on January 30

The Sindh High Court in Pakistan admitted a petition on Monday calling for the imposition of a lifetime ban on pacer Mohammad Amir, who was cleared by the International Cricket Council on January 29 to play domestic cricket. In his petition, citizen Rana Faizul Hasan said that players who had brought disgrace to the nation should not be allowed to play the sport.

The petition names the Government of Pakistan, chairman PCB and Mohammad Amir as respondents. "Amir and the others brought shame to Pakistan and spoilt its cricket image," the petitioner said.

"The court has admitted the petition for hearing and have directed the Chairman of the PCB, Amir and other officials to appear for the next hearing," the lawyer for the petitioner said.

Justice Mazhar Ali has formed a two-member bench to hear the petition filed by a citizen and has set the next date of hearing for February 16.

PCB Chairman defends Amir return

Amir was allowed to return to domestic cricket earlier than stipulated, in keeping with ICC’s revised anti-corruption code.

An ICC statement said the ACSU Chairman was satisfied that Amir had cooperated with the unit by “fully disclosing his part in the matters that led to his disqualification, admitting his guilt, showing remorse and cooperating with the Unit’s ongoing investigations and by recording messages for the ACSU education sessions."

PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan defended Amir’s return to cricket, saying: "From the start, Amir was remorseful about what he had done and cooperated fully with the ICC anti-corruption unit and with us. That is why he has been given a chance to play domestic cricket.

“We didn't fast track his case. It took us nearly over a year to get the permission from the ICC.

"There is no doubt that Amir has shown himself to be a reformed person and he cooperated all along. But even then the PCB will be monitoring his behaviour and activities when he resumes playing domestic cricket," Khan added.

The 22-year-old speed prodigy made his return to cricket last week in sensational fashion – picking up 3 for 23 in a club match in Lahore.

Mohammad Amir made his return to cricket today after his ban. He took 3 for 23 in a club match in Lahore #Cricket pic.twitter.com/tWh2FgVe6D

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) January 31, 2015