Amir’s visa refusal upsets PCB

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making last-ditch efforts to secure a visa for Mohammad Amir, making it clearer on Cricket Ireland that denying entry to any member of the travelling squad would complicate the things for the future bilateral trips.

As a last option, the PCB is also contemplating to fly Amir directly to Leeds for the opening match of the forthcoming T20 series against England. A well-placed source within the board has told ‘The News’ that the PCB has taken up Amir’s visa case seriously with Cricket Ireland, making the Board realise that ensuring in time completion of all travelling arrangements is the sole responsibility of the host Board. “Such a refusal could affect future cricketing relations between the two countries. Visa and other relevant arrangements is a sole responsibility of the host Board. Refusing permission to any member of the squad will complicate matters for future cricketing relations.”

Amir had gone through a torrid time in 2010 when he accepted a bounty for spot-fixing in London that resulted in his international cricket ban. “This visa refusal has got nothing to do with his ‘criminal’ record or his ban that he successfully completed. Amir has already competed in the inaugural Test against Ireland in Ireland in 2018. It is something beyond our comprehension. “We will wait for a few days and if the host Board -- Cricket Ireland fails to get a visa for Amir, the fast bowler would directly be flown to Leeds for the opening T20 against England on May 22,” the source said.

Meanwhile, weather in Ireland for the opening T20 match between Pakistan and Ireland is encouraging as forecast of sunshine and cloudy weather is there for Friday evening (May 10). However, for the next two T20s, there is chances of rain and cloudy weather.

“There was no training or nets on Wednesday as all the members including Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali who arrived early morning are taking rest. We will have our practice Thursday morning,” an official accompanying the team, when contacted, said.