Waqar backs 'disgraced' Amir's return to international cricket

Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis has offered his support to tainted cricketer Mohammad Amir, saying that the pacer has served his punishment and, therefore, deserves a second chance to make a comeback in the national squad.

The 44-year-old former pace bowler revealed that he has also given his nod to the PCB and the selectors that if they want to choose the left-hander then they can go for it, PakPassion reported.

The coach, however, said that the disgraced fast-bowler needs some time at the international level, insisting that instant success cannot be expected from him.

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

Reflecting on Amir's career ahead, Waqar said that he would surely contribute a lot to the country after getting back into the rhythm again.

Waqar also expressed his views on Mohammad Hafeez's latest comment that he would not play alongside Amir. He believes that Hafeez didn't mean to say what was published.

Waqar further urged the PCB to conduct a meeting and explain players that Amir has served the needed punishment.

Expressing his views on next year's T20 World Cup in India, Waqar said his sole aim at the moment was to try and change the mindset of the players and called on his side to aim for the consistency displayed by players like AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli and Hashim Amla.

Besides Amir, former skipper Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were also 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.