ECB actively supporting Amir’s visa application

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has given its clearest hint yet that it's actively supporting Pakistan cricket player Mohammad Amir’s visa application to enter Britain.

Speaking to Geo News on Sunday, a spokesman said that the ECB was in touch with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to support Mohammad Amir’s visa application. 

“We have spoken to the Pakistan Cricket Board and will provide any support the Government needs in making its decision,” said the spokesperson. He said that the ECB was aware that Mohammad Amir has applied for the visa and that he has been selected by the PCB to play in the forthcoming series in England.

The spokesman said that whether or not Amir is granted visa to enter the United Kingdom (UK) is a matter for the immigration authorities, i.e. British High Commission in Pakistan. “Any decision on his entry into the UK is ultimately one for the UK Government.”

The Pakistani fast bowler submitted a visa application to the UK high commission in Islamabad on Friday.

Amir was banned from cricket for five years following the Lord’s spot-fixing scandal in 2010, along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, but returned to international cricket in January.

At the Southwark Crown Court, Amir was sentenced to six months in a young offenders’ institute in 2011 after pleading guilty to his role in the scam which rocked Pakistani cricket. This means Amir has a criminal record which will be considered by the visa officer when making a decision.

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

“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’s three-month tour of England begins at Lord’s on 14 July for the first of four Test matches, before playing five one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20.

Geo News understands that Mohammad Amir has cited “exceptional circumstances” in his visa application, requesting for visa.

Immigration rules state that visa in such cases can be granted when there is “public interest” involved and the ECB has endorsed the PCB view that it will be in the interest of public and sports that Amir is granted visa to play in the UK.