PCB quashes Amir's early return in Pak squad

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shahryar Khan has quashed tainted fast-bowler Mohammad Amir's hopes of an early return to national side, saying he needs to be monitored more.

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Amir produced an impressive performance, taking nine wickets in seven matches in Bangladesh's Twenty20 league after ending his five-year ban for spot-fixing in September.

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However, Shahryar said that although the 23-year-old has been performing well, he would not be considered for selection at a moment, the Dawn reported.

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Shahryar revealed that the selectors might include Amir in the Pakistan A squad for the ongoing unofficial T20 series against England Lions in Dubai.

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According to the PCB chief, former skipper Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, who were also involved in spot-fixing scandal, will be allowed to play in domestic cricket after February following the completion of their rehabilitation program.

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Amir was earlier allowed in April by the ICC to take part in domestic cricket, while Butt and Asif were asked to complete a rehabilitation programme after the ban against them ended at midnight of September 1.

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The three players were found guilty of various offences of corrupt behaviour relating to the Lords Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010 by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal on February 5, 2011.