Mohammad Amir should have been banned for life: Graeme Swann

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has hit out at Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, saying that the latter who was earlier involved in a spot fixing scandal should have been banned from the sport to protect the integrity of the game and help inspire youngsters

London: Former England spinner Graeme Swann has hit out at Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, saying that the latter who was earlier involved in a spot fixing scandal should have been banned from the sport to protect the integrity of the game and help inspire youngsters.

Mohammad Amir and (inset) Graeme Swann

Amir will make his return to Test cricket for Pakistan against England at Lord's on Thursday.

The left-arm pacer will return to the scene of his crime next week, almost six years after he deliberately bowled no balls at the same venue during a Test in 2010. The 37-year-old, who was part of England's playing XI in that Test, on Friday said it is a mistake that Amir is even allowed to return to Test cricket at all.

"Mohammad Amir will walk out on the green and glorious turf at Lord's on Thursday — and it will make me feel sick," Swann was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"This is a man who crushed the morality of the game. And yet he is being allowed back to play at the Home of Cricket. Amir should have been banned for life for his part in the corruption scandal of 2010.

If you want to protect the integrity of the game, help cricket grow and inspire youngsters, there can be no place for corrupt players. You must have proper deterrents," Swann added.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!