AUCKLAND: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum says tainted bowler 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 as many 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.