New Zealand Cricket chief apologises for Amir taunt

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White has apologised to Mohammad Amir after the Pakistani fast bowler was taunted by a ground announcer last Friday.

Amir is competing in his first international tour after serving a five-year ban as well as jail-time for his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.

The 23-year-old was running in to bowl in Pakistan’s Twenty20 international against New Zealand in Wellington last Friday when the Westpac Stadium ground announcer reportedly played the sound of a cash register opening.

White apologised for the “disrespectful” actions of the announcer and assured no similar incidents will happen again.

“I think it was inappropriate and disrespectful, and has the effect of trivialising one of the biggest issues facing cricket at the moment,” White told Fairfax New Zealand.

“I’ve contacted the Pakistan team management to apologise, and to assure them there will be no repeat.”

However, White could not apologise for the actions of the fans in attendance, who allegedly were waving cash in the air while Amir was near the sidelines.

“As opposed to a member of the public in the stands having a bit of banter and humour, it’s different,” he said.

“We can’t direct people how to behave all the time.

“There’s a line of drunken disorderly abusive behaviour but stadiums are full of people in groups together, around the world there is banter.

“I guess there is the line that people need to stay within.”