Waqar Younis backs return of 'disgraced players'

Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis has welcomed the return of the tainted players, saying that all of them should be given second chance once they complete their punishment.

Waqar's comments came in the wake of the disgraced fast bowler Mohammad Amir's return to the national team for the upcoming ODI and Twenty20 series against New Zealand.

Amir, who was also part of the spot-fixing scandal, was earlier allowed in April last year by the ICC to take part in domestic cricket, while the other two players Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were asked to complete a rehabilitation programme after the ban against them ended at midnight of September 1.

The 44-year-old said that he would not only welcome Amir's return, but also called on Pakistan to give another chance to former skipper Butt and Asif once they become eligible.

Reflecting his views on Butt and Asif's rehabilitation programme, Waqar said that although he was not aware of the time the duo would take to prove themselves, he said that they should be given another opportunity whenever they were ready, Sport24 reported.

Earlier, Amir was also included in the 26-member national fitness camp in Lahore, whose return in the camp saw divided opinions coming out from the national team.

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.

Pakistan will play three-match ODIs and three-match T20s starting from January 15.