Brendon McCullum backs Mohammad Amir’s return to Pakistan sqaud

Brendon McCullum has announced his retirement from international cricket after the some series against Australia in February. (Source: File)

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum says convicted spot-fixer Mohammad Amir should be given “the benefit of the doubt” and allowed to play for Pakistan in limited-overs matches in New Zealand this month.

Amir has been named in the Pakistan squad which will play three Twenty20 and three one-day games against New Zealand over the next three weeks but his participation depends on New Zealand immigration officials allowing him a visa.

The fast bowler was only 18 when he handed a five-year ban from cricket in 2011 for his involvement in spot fixing. He also served three months of a six month prison term.

His ban, imposed by the International Cricket Council, has now ended and McCullum said Sunday he should be allowed to resume his career.