'I'll be a better human being'
Banned Pakistan paceman Mohammad Aamer vowed Thursday to prove himself as a "better player and better human being" after his spot-fixing ban was relaxed by the cricket world governing body.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said Aamer, 22, can return to domestic matches with immediate effect, ending his five-year suspension, which was handed on February 5 in 2011, from all forms of the game some eight months early as his ban was due to expire on September 22.
Aamer, who was banned for his part in a scandal in which he arranged no-balls to order in a 2010 Test against England, said he was overwhelmed by the ICC announcement.
"It's the biggest news of my life," he told AFP by phone. "It was the most difficult phase of my life but I am sure it's over now and I am keen to return to international grounds."
Aamer was banned along with his captain Salman Butt and new ball partner Mohammad Asif.
Cricket, and Pakistani cricket in particular, has struggled with the scourge of corruption in recent years and there has been some disquiet about Aamer's return to the game.
Some former professionals have said he should not be allowed back into international cricket, while Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan last year revealed some current players were against Aamer's return and did not want to share a dressing room with him.
Aamer, however, vowed to win over the naysayers with his bowling -- and promised to behave from now on.
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