Butt says Amir will return to form just like boxer Ali

AFP, KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt said Friday his spot-fixing accomplice Mohammad Amir will be in top form on his return to Test cricket, just like boxer Muhammad Ali was after his suspension from boxing.
Pakistan take on England in the first of four Tests at Lord's from July 14 with the focus on Amir.
He will play his first five-day match at the same venue where he, Butt and Mohammad Asif were caught in a sting operation in 2010.
The trio had arranged deliberate no-balls in return for money during the Lord's Test against England on Pakistan's tour, resulting in a five-year cricketing ban and jail terms in the UK.
But Amir's ban ended in September last year, and he has since returned to the top of Pakistani cricket.
Butt, 31, said Amir will need to focus on his game.
“He has bowled well in limited over matches and can deliver,” he told the news agency, adding that he did not see any areas where Amir could improve.
“Long lay-offs can hurt in many ways, but it depends on individuals and if they show the same hunger and determination -- like Ali did in his forced lay-off -- then one can succeed.”
Three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, who passed away last month, was suspended from boxing from 1967 until 1970 after refusing to join the US war in Vietnam.
However Butt admitted Amir could face a hostile reception in England, saying he will “have to ignore” any enmity. “People will move on once he does well and doesn't react.”

Butt says Amir will return to form just like boxer Ali

AFP, KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt said Friday his spot-fixing accomplice Mohammad Amir will be in top form on his return to Test cricket, just like boxer Muhammad Ali was after his suspension from boxing. Pakistan take on England in the first of four Tests at Lords from July 14 with the focus on Amir. He will play his first five-day match at the same venue where he, Butt and Mohammad Asif were caught in a sting operation in 2010. The trio had arranged deliberate no-balls in return for money during the Lords Test against England on Pakistans tour, resulting in a five-year cricketing ban and jail terms in the UK. But Amirs ban ended in September last year, and he has since returned to the top of Pakistani cricket. Butt, 31, said Amir will need to focus on his game. He has bowled well in limited over matches and can deliver, he told the news agency, adding that he did not see any areas where Amir could improve. Long lay-offs can hurt in many ways, but it depends on individuals and if they show the same hunger and determination -- like Ali did in his forced lay-off -- then one can succeed. Three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, who passed away last month, was suspended from boxing from 1967 until 1970 after refusing to join the US war in Vietnam. However Butt admitted Amir could face a hostile reception in England, saying he will have to ignore any enmity. People will move on once he does well and doesnt react.