Mohammad Amir granted New Zealand visa

Omnisports

January 6, 2016 8:38 AM

Mohammad Amir granted New Zealand visa, meaning he can travel with Pakistan's limited-overs side for upcoming ODIs and T20s

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Mohammad Amir will travel to New Zealand for Pakistan's upcoming limited-overs tour after being granted a visa by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

Amir was named in Pakistan's Twenty20 and one-day international squads to face New Zealand later this month, ending his exile from the national team following his suspension for his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.

The pace bowler was banned by the International Cricket Council for five years after bowling what were deemed to be deliberate no-balls in a Test against England.

Amir spent three months in prison for his role in the scandal, leading to Pakistan officials to seek legal advice as to whether he would be permitted to enter New Zealand due to the country's regulations regarding people with criminal convictions.

However, INZ area manager Michael Carley confirmed on Thursday that Amir, 23, will be allowed to enter New Zealand.

"Immigration New Zealand can confirm that a visitor visa has been approved for Mohammad Amir to travel as part of the Pakistan Cricket Team set to tour New Zealand this month," said Carley.

"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."

Omnisports