Mohammad Amir: From Spot-Fixing Ban to International Comeback

Mohammad Amir's story is one of cricket's most remarkable — a fall from grace and a return to the very highest level. At 18, he was considered one of the most naturally gifted left-arm fast bowlers to have played the game. At 18, he also became one of cricket's most notorious spot-fixers. What followed was a five-year ban, a criminal conviction, and a polarising attempt at redemption that divided cricket opinion around the world.

The Lord's Test Spot-Fixing

During Pakistan's tour of England in 2010, Amir — along with captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif — deliberately bowled no-balls at pre-arranged moments as part of a spot-fixing arrangement organised by agent Mazhar Majeed. The scandal was exposed by News of the World. All three were suspended by the ICC and later convicted in English courts of conspiracy to cheat and accepting corrupt payments.

The Ban and Conviction

Amir served a five-year ban from cricket, was released from prison in England, and spent years in domestic cricket trying to rebuild. His youth — he was just 18 when the offences occurred — generated sympathy from some quarters. Others felt that cricket should never have welcomed him back. The debate was fierce.

The Comeback

Amir returned to international cricket in 2016 and immediately showed his talent remained intact. His devastating bowling at the 2017 Champions Trophy — where Pakistan won the tournament — reminded the world what exceptional ability he possessed. His left-arm pace, his ability to swing the ball both ways at speed, and his capacity to bowl lethal yorkers made him a leading bowler once more.