Amir to reach Dublin before second T20

ISLAMABAD: Mohammad Amir’s Ireland visa has been stamped, enabling the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to finalise his travelling plan which could ensure his timely arrival in Dublin ahead of the second T20 International on Sunday.

A well-placed source in the PCB has told ‘The News’ that the concerned Consulate has finally issued the visa to Amir following weeks of unnecessary delay. “His visa has been stamped Thursday, enabling the PCB to finalise Amir’s travelling plan which could ensure his arrival for the second T20 against Ireland to be played in Dublin on Sunday.

In all probabilities Amir would be travelling anytime on Friday to join his other colleague in Dublin,” a well-informed source, when contacted, said. The PCB official was hopeful that by the time the second T20 International will be played on Sunday, the left-arm fast bowler would get the required rest to make himself available for selection in the playing XI.

Meanwhile, Pakistan cricketers had gone through their first practice session in Dublin under sunshine on Thursday. Following a day of complete rest, the team went through their paces Thursday amid good weather conditions.

“Team meeting was also held ahead of practice session in which the coaches discussed a few finer points on the training and practice session ahead of the first T20 International against Ireland to be played today (Friday). The weather was good Thursday and the forecast for the opening T20 on Friday is also encouraging.”

According to an official accompanying the team, some of the key batsmen including leading strikers Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Usman Khan, and Saim Ayub were given a longer run to flex their muscles with some powerful sizzling shots. The majority of bowlers are seen bowling with full rhythm and enthusiasm.