Amir downplays chances of earning immediate Pak recall

Karachi: Disgraced Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir has played down hopes of his immediate return to the national squad, saying his priority is domestic cricket at the moment.

The left-hander, who became eligible to represent his country after serving his five-year ban for his infamous role in the 2010 Lord’s spot-fixing scandal, said that it would be premature for him to start thinking about his return to the national side due to his absence from the sport for the past five years.

Amir, who was considered as one of the world’s top bowling talents before his ban, insisted that he needs to make sure that he was mentally and physically ready for the challenge of international cricket when it would be presented to him, PakPassion reported.

Describing International cricket as ‘tough environment’, the bowling prodigy also said that playing some high profile domestic matches, particularly four day cricket would help him in his quest to play for Pakistan again.

Amir took 51 wickets in 14 Tests and 25 in 15 one-day internationals before he was handed a five-year ban for bowling deliberate no-balls by pre-arrangement during the fourth test against England at Lord’s in 2010. (ANI)