Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir was once considered international cricket’s hottest pace prospect. He was picked by Wasim Akram in a talent hunt programme in 2007 and was soon dubbed as Pakistan’s next Wasim Akram.

He started his career with impressive performances in domestic circuit. He took 55 wickets in his debut season, and was selected for Pakistan’s World T20 squad in 2009.

At the age of 18, he became the youngest bowler to take 50 Test wickets.

In the 2010 tour to England, he was at his best, but his career was badly -- in fact very badly -- damaged when he was caught for spot-fixing and consequently banned for five years by the International Cricket Council. He also received jail sentence in the UK.

He recently returned to domestic cricket, representing Omar Associates in the Patron’s Trophy Grade II.

The News on Sunday interviewed him recently. Here are some excerpts.

The News on Sunday: How does it feel to be back on the cricketing field?

Mohammad Amir: It is really good, feel like I’ve got a new life. You don’t usually get a second chance after the things that I suffered, I am fortunate and thankful to Allah for this opportunity. I am giving 100 percent, want to do the best so that people can know what I am capable of. I would also thank administration of Omar Associates for giving me this opportunity. I don’t think I would’ve been welcomed this way in any other team.

TNS: How do you feel after playing the comeback tournament?

Amir: I feel good, it’s good to be back bowling in competitive cricket. I knew that my rhythm was still there and it was also seen by people in the Patron’s Trophy. But this is just a start. My goal at the moment is to play cricket at all levels, give my best and perform according to the expectations.

Amir: I am satisfied with the way I’ve started, or let’s say "re-started" my career. Took 22 wickets, also scored some runs with the bat. My next tournament is Super Eight T20 in which I will represent Rawalpindi Rams. I am also in talks with some departments for the next first-class season. I have received some offers from foreign clubs, some domestic teams from South Africa and Big Bash, but to finalise a deal, I will have to wait till my international ban expires.

TNS: Amir, how would you describe the ban? Must have been a big torture?

Amir: It was a big mental stress; I can’t describe the ordeal in words. Only I and my Allah know my suffering. It wasn’t easy. I don’t wish this even for my worst enemies.

There were people who always backed me, kept my morale up. Those people include my coach Asif Bajwa, my friend Rizwan, my UK-based lawyer, and former English captain Mike Atherton. I want to thank them all for being there for me in my bad times. There was a time when I was thinking of quitting, but these people told me not to give up. I also want to thank Pakistan Cricket Board, its chairman Shahryar Khan and chairman of PCB’s executive committee, Najam Sethi, who made efforts to make my early return a possibility.

TNS: You were the first to admit guilt. What motivated you to plead guilty?

Amir: I realised that what I did was extremely wrong. Deep inside my heart, I was feeling really guilty, wanted to rectify my actions, so went on to accept the guilt.

TNS: What lessons have you learnt?

Amir: The main lesson I’ve learnt is that one shouldn’t keep the company of wrong people. You are always influenced by the company you keep. I would also tell all the cricketers not to move away from your basic goal, which should be to give your best for the country you are representing. I have learnt from my mistakes.

TNS: Do you think fans will forgive you? Are you hoping for the same love as they used to give you before August 28, 2010?

Amir:  Whatever I was before that episode was due to the support and love of my fans. I know that they’re angry at me but I will, once again, with my performance on the field, win hearts of fans in Pakistan and elsewhere. I am confident that I will get their support and backing once again. There were some former players too, and I am sure after watching my performance, they too will change their mind.

TNS: You missed two World Cups, 2011 and 2015. Did you ever feel that your presence in any game could have made a difference?

Amir: There were events when I was feeling like if I was there, I would have done this, I would have done that. I missed some big matches, especially the World Cup semi-final in 2011 against India. People say that if I had been there, the result would have been different.

TNS: Do you think you’ll be welcomed in Pakistan’s dressing room?

Amir: I am not thinking about that. It is too early to talk about my return to international cricket. My job is to perform at all levels and if the selectors and the board officials feel that I am capable of playing international cricket, they’ll decide on it. I don’t know how people will react but I intend to give my 100 percent.

TNS: You’ll face tough competition as a fast bowler. There are already left-arm pacers in the team and they’re performing well.

Amir: Competition was tougher when I made my debut. There was Shoaib Bhai, and there was Asif and other players. But I came and performed. My competition is only with myself.