Spot-fixing Trial – Amir had already pleaded guilty before the trial

Pakistan News: UK law prevented the news to be published earlier >

As the news of Butt and Asif being found guilty by the jury came out, Amir’s confession was officially released for media. In his written statement, Amir implored that he was under "extreme pressure” of losing his place in the side if he did not side with Butt and co.

His application was presented to Southwark Crown Court on September 16, while Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Under the United Kingdom's laws Amir's plea could not be published in order to prevent any influence on the jury’s ruling on the other two players.

Amir’s case now will be heard directly by the judge Mr. Cooke, called ‘Newton Hearing’, who will decide what punishment to be awarded to him.
 
Amir’s lawyer barrister Ben Emmerson QC said: "Amir wants to make it clear he wants to take full responsibility for what he did by bowling two deliberate no-balls. This vulnerable 18-year-old boy, as he was then, was subjected to extreme pressure from those upon whom he should have been able to rely. He recognises the damage he has caused Pakistan cricket and he wishes to do his best to put that right."

Prosecution’s response, lead by chief prosecutor Aftab Jafferjee QC, was that Amir looked like a willing conspirator as opposed to being a naïve rookie. This was because his text matches regarding fixing purposes were recovered by the police that were sent to two different cell phones with Pakistan numbers. According to the evidence put forth by the prosecution, there were numerous contacts between Majeed and Amir 36 hours prior to the Lord’s Test match.