'Banned' Aamir not likely to get reprieve from ICC before 2015 World Cup

Banned Pakistani left-arm pacer Mohammad Aamir is reportedly not likely to get a reprieve from the ICC before the 2015 ODI World Cup.

Aamir, former captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were all banned for different terms in February, 2011 for their involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal in England with Aamir given a minimum ban of five years.

According to The Nation, a senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said the ICC has indicated that even if there is some relaxation given to Aamir in his five-year ban, it will come after the World Cup, adding that the relaxation, even if it happens, would not be not more than four to five months.

PCB chairman Najam Sethi was reportedly told by top ICC officials that Aamir cannot be treated as an exception as he had committed a serious offence and violation of the anti-corruption code even though the board asked the ICC executive board to review Aamir's case on humanitarian grounds keeping in mind his age.

ICC chief executive Dave Richardson also said that no leniency could be shown to Aamir as it would send out wrong message to other players.

The PCB is now keen to atleast get clearance from the ICC for Aamir to train at the PCB facilities and under PCB coaches and trainers so that he is ready to return to top cricket once his ban ends officially in September, 2015, the report added.