Amir apologises to his nation ahead of comeback

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Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir has released a statement apologising to his country and cricket fans for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal that saw him banned for five years.

The 23 year-old Amir is now officially eligible to play competitive cricket again, and is hoping he can win back the fans that once supported him.

A promising left-arm paceman before he was banned, Amir took 51 wickets in 14 Tests, he says he has a long road ahead of him and is not yet thinking about playing for Pakistan.

Amir's full statement read: "I sincerely apologise to everyone I have hurt — my colleagues, my fans, family and my country. I will never be able to explain how much I regret the mistake I made at the promising start of my career.

"I disappointed my teammates and seniors who expected much better from me. I am not sure if I can ever be truly forgiven but I hope to win your trust and love with my upcoming performances.

"I believe this will be the best way to redeem the past no matter how sorry I feel I can't change the past. What I can do is start fresh and make a cleaner and brighter history, for myself and for Pakistan."

"The last five years have been a huge loss and of course a huge source of regret. My life was torn apart but I know it was my fault."

"I need to thank the ICC because they have been very fair with me. They allowed me to start playing again in January and that gave me the boost to think that I really could return to the game and reach the highest level again.

"I can't focus on international cricket. I need to play for Rawalpindi and I need to play first-class cricket. If and when I come back will totally depend on the selectors and the PCB.

"I just have to bowl as well as I can and prove to people that I am good enough and deserve a second chance. I want to be loved by the fans again."

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