Brendon McCullum backs Mohammad Amir's return

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said that Mohammad Amir should be allowed to play for Pakistan in limited-overs matches in New Zealand this month. He told in a press conference that Mohammad Amir should be given “the benefit of the doubt.” The fast bowlers inclusion created a lot of reaction and debate in the cricketing world.

Amir has been named in the Pakistan squad which will play three Twenty20 and three one-day games against New Zealand over the next three weeks but his participation depends on New Zealand immigration officials allowing the 23-year-old a visa.

McCullum feels that Amir after serving his sentence, and going through rehabilitation, deserves to be on the field if his performances are worthy. His ban, imposed by the ICC, has already ended and McCullum said he should be allowed to resume his career.

“He was a very young man at the time and he’s gone through a sound rehabilitation program. If he gets out on the field against us, then you play against the man you’re playing against, not a man who may have made some mistakes as a youngster.”

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White also supported Amir’s inclusion in the Pakistan squad but stressed that was a personal view and not that of his organization.

“He was a very, very young man, a boy really (when he was suspended),” White said. “He showed remorse at the time, admitted to it. He’s gone through all the rehabilitation and education as prescribed by the ICC. I’m personally comfortable with him coming to New Zealand and playing.”

New Zealand’s immigration department issued a statement before Christmas saying it had not yet received a visa application for Amir and would consider one when it is received. A decision is likely next week.