Rehman had sought permission to play league cricket in England

Rehman, now 31, was banned in May 2000, along with former captain Salim Malik, after a Pakistan Cricket Board inquiry found he had dealt with bookmakers.

"Ata-ur-Rehman has already been deprived of exploiting what would have been likely to be the best years of his cricketing life," said an ICC panel.

"Whatever our verdict he is unlikely ever to resume a Test match career."

Rehman had sought permission from the International Cricket Council to play league cricket in England. He was playing for Lancashire side Blackburn Northern when the ban was imposed.

"It is great news because it will allow me to resume my career.

"I have British citizenship so I am eligible to play county cricket and I still have a lot of cricket left in me," he said.

The disciplinary review panel was made up of ICC code of conduct commissioners Michael Beloff QC, Richie Benaud and Ajmalul Hossain QC.

They added: "We note that Ata-ur-Rehman was at the time of the offence a young man - only 20 years of age - that he did not initiate the plan to fix a match and that he was no doubt easily influenced by persons far senior to him in the team."

Rehman played 13 Tests and 30 one-day internationals between 1992 and 1996, claiming 31 Test and 27 one-day wickets.

He last represented Pakistan in a one-dayer against England at Edgbaston on 31 August 1996.

"The ban spoiled my career, and at my age I don't see any chance to play for Pakistan, but if my country needs me I will be there anytime, anywhere," Rehman added.