Amir was one of three Pakistan players, along with former captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, jailed in 2011 for their part in a spot-fixing scandal where no-balls were deliberately bowled against England the previous year.

The 23-year-old was released from Portland Prison in Dorset after serving half his six-month sentence.

The trio were convicted of taking bribes from a bookmaker Mazhar Majeed in return for bowling no-balls at specific times of their Test match with England at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Majeed was sentenced to two years and eight months.

Amir, who has 99 international wickets to his name, has been chosen as part of the Pakistan touring party due to take on New Zealand for three Twenty20 and three one-day internationals.

He will only be allowed to play, however, if he is given a visa by the New Zealand Government.

Amir’s ban from the game, given to him by the International Cricket Council (ICC), originally covered all forms of cricket before he was cleared to play domestic cricket in Pakistan in January of last year.

“It's a tough task and I am obviously a different Amir this time since my previous stint,” Amir told ESPN Cricinfo.

“To be honest, I almost quit, as there were moments that discouraged me from playing cricket again.

“The way I was backed by ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) - the support was amazing, otherwise I couldn't have made it.

“I am not saying or even thinking that I will come and just prevail at once within one or two matches, but I surely have to be on top of my game to win everything.

“I am determined to do this for the fans who stood by me, and I have to do it for them because now it's all about their pride and I will be the guardian of their trust.”

Amir’s return to the Pakistan national team has already sparked outrage among the squad.

One-day captain Azhar Ali and batsman Mohammad Hafeez boycotted a recent training camp in protest at his inclusion.

The pair then went back on their original stance but Ali offered his resignation as captain, which was turned down by the PCB.

“In the camp I met everyone and I am happy they all heard me, and I am lucky they understood me, and now the atmosphere is good around me,” Amir added.

“They are not against me and I'd like to believe that.”

Pakistan's tour of New Zealand is due to begin next Friday (January 15) with the first Twenty20 match scheduled to take place at Eden Park in Auckland.