Aamer 'fired up' after ban

Pakistan's Mohammad Aamer admits he almost gave up cricket after being hit with a five-year ban for spot-fixing, but that he is now fired up to take wickets and repair his reputation.

The ICC relaxed his penalty in January after the Pakistan Cricket Board requested he be allowed to play domestic cricket before the ban officially expires in September.

"I must admit I have been given a new life," Aamer said on Wednesday.

"I will try my best to avail this opportunity. I am ready to put in the hard yards to serve Pakistan."

Aamer said he is aiming for a gradual return to international cricket.

"I am extremely pleased to see the crowd and fans supporting me after the comeback. It really is huge force of motivation for me.

"They have lot of expectations from me. Now it is my responsibility to not let them down. I don't have words to explain how tough last four years were. It is not easy when your bread and butter is stopped and you have no other income," he said.

"I was in a situation that I wasn't even allowed to touch a ball. It was really difficult,” Aamer concluded.