ICC opens investigation after banned Pakistan player Mohammad Amir plays in minor English game
LONDON — Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir is being investigated by the ICC after playing in a minor English league match last week despite being banned from the sport for corruption.The 19-year-old Amir took part Saturday in an official Surrey Cricket League match for Addington 1743, a village team based in a south London suburb that didn't realize he breached his five-year ban by playing.
"The suspension clearly states that he cannot take part in any cricket-related activities," ICC spokesman Samiul Hasan told The Associated Press. "We are aware of the reports and are investigating the matter."
The Surrey Cricket League is under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board, which said it is "investigating and liaising with the ICC as appropriate."
The ICC tribunal that banned Amir in February for "spot-fixing" could impose a further sanction if it is proved he played in a competitive match.
"He has been at all times anxious not to violate his ban," said Gareth Peirce, Amir's lawyer. "He has seen today's news reports with alarm. He is making contact directly through his lawyers with the ICC.
"He was given the chance of joining in part of a game with a village cricket team as a way of keeping in practice. He was assured by the team that they had asked their league if he was permitted to play with them and had been told that he was. He did not stay for the whole match."
The left-arm fast bowler was introduced to Addington, which has less than 20 members, through captain Ijaz Raja and a team sponsor last week. Amir took four wickets and scored 60 runs in the match.
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