Pakistan's Mohammad Amir cleared to make domestic cricket return

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been allowed to return to domestic cricket with immediate effect, having had his five-year ban for spot-fixing lifted early.

The 22-year-old was jailed for six months and handed a hefty suspension from the game for playing his part in a betting scam during Pakistan's tour of England in 2010.

Amir, who was due to see his ban expire on September 2, has now been given the green light to play domestic cricket in his homeland.

A statement on the ICC website read: "Sir Ronnie Flanagan, with the prior approval of the ICC Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board, has exercised his discretion to allow Mohammad Amir to return to domestic cricket played under the auspices of the Pakistan Cricket Board with immediate effect."

The 2010 plot also saw Mohammad Asif and captain Salman Butt receive prison sentences of seven years (two suspended) and 10 years (five suspended) respectively.