Pakistan duo cleared for domestic return

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif will be allowed to return to Pakistan's domestic cricket in January, three months after their spot-fixing bans ended, officials announced on Saturday.

The pair along with Mohammad Aamer were banned for five years following a spot-fixing scandal during Pakistan's 2010 tour of England, where they took money for deliberate no-balls in the Lord's Test.

Aamer was allowed to feature in domestic matches in April this year after the International Cricket Council (ICC) relaxed certain conditions of his ban through an amendment to its code of conduct.

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However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) directed Butt and Asif to complete a rehabilitation program and, despite the duo being selected by former domestic champions Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), they were not allowed to play in any domestic matches.

But PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan announced Butt and Asif would be allowed to feature in the national one-day cup starting next month.

"We have cleared Butt and Asif to play in the one-day tournament after they've completed their rehab program," Khan told AFP.

Aamer has already competed in the premier first-class tournament and was also cleared to play in the Bangladesh Premier League.

With his superb wicket-taking form, Aamer has already been tipped to return to Pakistan's national team soon with Khan and head coach Waqar Younis putting their weight behind the paceman on Thursday, saying his selection was considered.

Asif said he was relieved to get the chance.

"Of course, it was disappointing to be in the dressing room of the WAPDA team but not being able to go on the ground and play, but it will change as soon as next month," Asif told AFP.

"I think my fortunes will change and I will do my best to force my way into the national team," said Asif, who will turn 33 later this month.

At the time of his ban, Asif was regarded as the best new-ball bowler having taken 106 Test and 46 one-day wickets in a career besotted by failed dope tests and injuries.