Amir thanks Afridi for his support

Disgraced Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has expressed that he is elated after being named in the limited-overs squad for the upcoming New Zealand series, insisting that he will never let his country down again.

The fast bowler was only 18 when he handed a five-year ban from cricket in 2011 for his involvement in spot fixing.

“I am not surprised once the cricket board had taken a policy decision to give Amir a second chance”. It was a very useful camp and certainly helped me in regards to a return to worldwide cricket.

“We felt he is ready to come back to worldwide cricket that is why we have just included him in the T20 squad”, Haroon said.

Ali and former Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez refused to train with Amir in the national team’s fitness camp last week but returned after being threatened with disciplinary action. Amir’s return to the selection mix after serving a five-year ban for spot-fixing in the 2010 Lord’s test has polarised Pakistan cricket with several of his team mates resenting his reintegration.

His performances in the Bangladesh Premier League with the Chittagong Vikings brought him back into contention for the national team, Amir taking 14 wickets at an average of 12.64.

“I don’t think that this would have happened anywhere in the world that the board would back a player who has committed crime and bully those who have played their cricket fairly”.

The chief selector also made it clear that while selecting the T20 squad importance was given to players who were utility players.

Rasheed said that Amir’s case has been forwarded to the New Zealand consulate and that his visa process will begin after the New Year’s holidays.

Pakistani cricket coach Waqar Younis (L) speaks with players as cricketers Mohammad Amir (C) and Azhar Ali (R) listen during a practice session in Lahore Tuesday.

Pakistan tour to New Zealand comprises of three ODIs and three T20s starting from 15th of January.