Mohammad Amir Granted Irish Visa, Set For PAK Vs IRE 2nd T20I

In a significant development for the Pakistan cricket team, Mohammad Amir has been granted an Irish visa, clearing the way for his participation in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland. This news comes as a relief to the team and its supporters, as Amir's presence bolsters the squad's capabilities ahead of crucial matches.

The team had departed for Dublin on May 7 without Amir, who was held back in Lahore due to visa complications. With the issue now resolved, arrangements are underway for Amir to travel promptly, ensuring he joins the team before the second T20I match on Sunday, May 12.

Unfortunately, Amir will miss the first match of the series, scheduled for today, Friday, May 10. He is expected to arrive in Ireland late Friday night and will immediately link up with his teammates. The delay in securing Amir's visa was not attributed to any specific reason by the Irish consulate but was swiftly addressed following discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Ireland.

This resolution is particularly significant for Amir, who is keen on making a strong comeback to international cricket after a four-year break. The PCB has voiced its dissatisfaction with the visa delay, emphasizing its potential impact on the player and the team's preparations for the forthcoming T20 World Cup.

Following their series in Ireland, Pakistan is scheduled to tour England for four T20I matches, starting May 22 at Leeds. Notably, Amir faced no visa issues when he made his return to international cricket during Ireland's inaugural Test match against Pakistan in 2018. Having come out of retirement, he recently participated in the T20I series against New Zealand.

While the PCB has not yet announced the squad for the T20 World Cup, it is anticipated that Amir will be included for the tournament. Pakistan finds itself in Group A alongside Ireland, USA, Canada, and India, promising a series of exciting contests on their journey from England to West Indies.