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Pakistan's disgraced fast-bowler Mohammad Amir is positive about making a comeback to international cricket for Pakistan and feels if West Indies all rounder Marlon Samuels can make a successful return then he can also do the same.
Amir was sentenced to six months in prison in England for bowling no-balls at prearranged times during a match at Lord's in August 2010 after fellow Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were also sentenced for spot-fixing.
Amir, who was 18 at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty and returned to Pakistan earlier this year.
"I want to come back with my head held high, with a new spirit and as a role model. I accepted everything and pleaded guilty only to give myself peace," the Dawn quoted Amir, as saying to a news website.
Amir likened his situation to Samuels, who endured a turbulent 12-year career since his debut in 2000, having seen his bowling action questioned before being suspended for two years in 2008 for alleged links with bookmakers, and starred in the World T20 win.
"If [Marlon] Samuels can make it then there is no reason why I can't make it," Amir said.
"I am taking my comeback to be similar to when I was 13 and used to think about playing for Pakistan. The difference this time is that I have had the international experience. There are people who are making their debuts at 30-plus these days, so I still have plenty of time," he said.
Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images