Pakistan cricket bosses have held talks with the convicted paceman Mohammad Aamer for the first time since he was released from a British prison in February, a top official said on Wednesday. The 20-year-old volunteered to meet the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as part of what the governing body said was a prelude to his "rehabilitation" after he was found guilty of spot-fixing during a Test at Lord's in 2010.
Aamer was banned for a minimum of five years by the International Cricket Council (ICC), along with pace partner Mohammad Asif and ex-captain Salman Butt. He met the PCB last week. "We have recently had two contacts with Aamer during which he was debriefed and was asked some questions which we do not want to disclose in the media," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed told AFP.
The three players were jailed by a court in Britain for accepting corrupt payment and violation of the gambling act. The ICC tribunal which banned the trio directed them to attend a rehabilitation process under the ICC and PCB. They were accused of contriving to bowl deliberate no-balls in return of money. Asif was released earlier this month while Butt is still serving his 30-month sentence.
"The debriefing was not part of the rehab, but we will soon discuss the matter with the ICC and start his rehabilitation," said Ahmed. PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf has described Aamer as "an asset" and assured his Board will do everything possible for the talented paceman's return to the game. Subhan said Asif has not been in contact with the PCB as he was still in England after his release. "Asif has made no contact with us and since he has decided to appeal against the ICC ban, nothing can be done before he finishes with that," said Subhan.
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