Pakistan pacer Amir applies for UK visa

 

Lahore, May 21 (IANS) Pakistan paceman Mohammad Amir is waiting to find out whether he will be permitted to tour England after submitting his visa application to the high commission in Islamabad.

Amir could be denied a visa for his country's upcoming tour of England, following his conviction in the 2010 spot-fixing controversy.

Amir pleaded guilty to spot-fixing charges and was banned from cricket for five years as well as being required to spend six months in a juvenile offenders' institute for his role in the scandal, with this criminal record meaning a return to the UK is at the discretion of the government.

"I have written a letter to the high commissioner seeking special and sympathetic consideration on Amir's visa," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au on Saturday.

"The England and Wales Cricket Board is also assisting and are in touch with their home department, so we hope for a positive response."

Pakistan are due to return to England for the first time since that 2010 tour, and Amir, who has returned impressively to the international game in the past six months, is expected to be a key figure for the tourists.

However, he first has to clear British immigration authorities, who could prevent him from accessing a visa due to his criminal history.