'I've been given a new life': Amir

Returning Pakistani paceman Mohammad Amir says he has "been given a new life" as he looks to make his way back to international cricket later this year, but suggestions he will play in next season's KFC T20 Big Bash League are understood to be wide of the mark.

In an exclusive interview with cricket.com.au, Amir, who was banned from all cricket for five years after being found guilty of spot-fixing during a Test match against England in 2010, said he almost gave the sport away on a number of occasions throughout his suspension but has been motivated by huge support since his return to competitive cricket.

At the time of his ban, the left-arm quick was just 18 and touted as one of the world's most promising bowlers, having already appeared in 14 Tests and taken 51 wickets.

"I must admit I have been given a new life," Amir told cricket.com.au. "I will try my best to avail this opportunity.

"I am ready to put in the hard yards to serve Pakistan.

"I am extremely pleased to see the crowd and fans supporting me after the comeback. It really is huge force of motivation for me.

"The fans had their support with me in last four years as well.

"I have noticed in this tournament (Pakistan domestic Super Eight Twenty20) that people are backing me.

"They have lot of expectations from me. Now it is my responsibility to not let them down."

In January, Amir was granted permission by the ICC to return to domestic cricket some eight months prior to serving his full five-year ban, and the speedster has just finished playing a four-match stint with Rawalpindi Rams in the national T20 tournament which garnered him five wickets at 19.80.

"I wasn't allowed to use the best available cricket facilities in Pakistan but when I received permission to play domestic cricket I got couple of months to train and also got the chance to play Grade-2 cricket which helped me getting into rhythm before this T20 tournament," he said.

"I have always loved challenges. This tournament has been a good experience for me. It will be beneficial for me in future.

"At the moment I am looking forward to play any sort of cricket in bid to get match practice."

Reflecting on his lengthy ban, Amir conceded that he began to consider other career options, despite his obvious cricketing talents.

"I don't have words to explain how tough last four years were for me," he said. "It is not easy when your bread and butter is stopped and you have no other income.

"I was in a situation that I wasn't even allowed to touch a ball. It was really difficult.

"To be honest, yes, there were a few moments when I had lost hope, when I couldn't see anything coming my way.

"At one stage I was planning to start studies again. I had started to think about doing other things. I must give credit to my coach Asif Bajwa, who motivated me throughout this period and kept cricket alive in me."

Amir's manager, Syed Noman Nazir, confirmed the paceman had been approached by an agent with a view to his participation in BBL|05.

"Yes, there has been an offer for Mohammad Amir to play in the Big Bash League but we cannot disclose details until things are finalised," Nazir said. "A famous agent has approached us for a combine deal containing BBL as well as domestic T20 tournaments in South Africa and New Zealand. "However, Amir's first preference will be to feature in Pakistan's first-class tournament starting this September."

Amir was non-committal regarding the matter, saying: "Right now my focus is only on keeping myself fit. If I am fit I will play whatever cricket comes my way. But currently my focus is only on my fitness."

Cricket.com.au understands however that, following his return to first-class cricket in September, Amir will focus his attention on regaining his place in the Pakistan Test side for a potential series to be played against India in the UAE in December, making his involvement in the BBL unlikely.

Were any BBL club to approach Amir's management, they would be required to notify the governing body of their intentions, and a spokesman from the BBL confirmed this had not happened.

Like most Pakistanis, Amir is also excited by the return of full international cricket to his home country with the current visit of Zimbabwe.

"Not having international cricket at home was a huge loss for Pakistan," he continued. "I think it was due to lack of cricket in home that Pakistan couldn't nurture the talent.

"It is a very positive sign that cricket is coming back in the country.

"Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) must be given credit for the revival of cricket in Pakistan. I am personally thankful to PCB as well for all the efforts they have done for my comeback."

The 23-year-old was philosophical when asked about the stain that his involvement in spot-fixing will leave on his reputation.

"I think criticism is part of our lives. Almost every sportsman in world has detractors," he said.

"You will find difference of opinion in every field.

"No doubt I will have detractors.

"Even in the past when I was playing international cricket there might have been a few people who didn't like me, therefore as a professional I don't think much about these factors.

"Everyone has own way of thinking. As a cricketer my job is to perform on the field."