Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir applies for the UK visa

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has applied for the UK visa to the UK High Commission at Islamabad amidst all speculations that his application may be rejected. Amir will now have to wait to figure out whether he is permitted to play in England.

Mohammad Amir was one of the 3 players who were involved in the spot-fixing scandal and was hence subsequently banned for the next 5 years in 2010. Following this controversy and as per the UK immigration laws, his visa could be denied. Amir had to face similar problems when Pakistan toured New Zealand earlier this year. However, the New Zealand cricket board and the Pakistan Cricket Board held discussions with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) back then following which he was allowed to tour the nation with a visitor visa.

Read – Mohammad Amir could be denied Visa for England tour

“In making this decision, INZ considered factors including the support of the New Zealand and Pakistan Cricket Board and that Mr Amir had served his sentence for his previous actions,” INZ Area Manager Michael Carley had told stuff.co.nz in January.

“Taking into account all the circumstances and with full understanding of the purpose of his visit, a visa has been approved for Mr Amir,” they had quoted back then. Now, Pakistan are set to tour England after 6 years for a long series and apparently, Mohammad Amir is one of the key weapons of the Pakistan team for the tour. PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said he has written a special application to the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Also, Read – Lack of educated cricketers the reason for Pakistan’s downfall: PCB

“I have written a letter to the high commissioner seeking special and sympathetic consideration on Amir’s visa,” Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan confirmed.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board is also assisting and are in touch with their home department, so we hope for a positive response,” he added. If Amir tours England and plays in the first Test at Lords, this would be his first Test in 6 years. Ironically, it is the same venue where he had committed the over-stepping offences.