The Pakistan national cricket team suffered a big blow ahead of the upcoming three-match T20I series against the Ireland national cricket team in away conditions. Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir will not be departing for Ireland with his national teammates due to visa issues.
Mohammad Amir retired from international cricket in December 2020, citing mental torture under management. However, he reversed his decision ahead of the recent series against New Zealand and rejoined the national squad. He picked up three wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 8.32.
The Pakistan cricket team, under the leadership of Babar Azam, is set to play a three-match T20I series against Ireland. The first match will take place at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin on May 10, followed by two more matches at the same venue on May 12 and May 14, respectively.
Mohammad Amir Faces Visa Delay
The Men in Green are scheduled to depart for Ireland as planned on Tuesday, May 7. However, Mohammad Amir will not be traveling with them due to visa issues. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains optimistic that the pacer’s visa matters will be resolved soon and he will join the national team.
Muhammad Amir Didn’t Get Ireland Visa, He will not travel with Pakistan team pic.twitter.com/A91Jp6pWqU
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) May 6, 2024
Amir previously faced visa delays, notably during Pakistan’s 2018 tours of Ireland and England. This latest issue potentially disrupts team preparations leading up to the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA in June.
Following the Ireland tour, the Pakistan cricket team will first play a four-match series against England, which is their last assignment before the World Cup. The Men in Green will head to the United States for the ICC tournament.
Pakistan squad for T20I series against Ireland and England
Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.
Have Done Penance For That Big Mistake – Mohammad Amir
Mohammad Amir urged people to move on from his past spot-fixing mistake. He highlighted the nine years lost due to bans and retirement. Additionally, he defended his and Imad Wasim’s selection for the T20 format, citing their performances in the PSL and other leagues.
“I have done penance for that big mistake and if you look at my career I was banned from 2010 to 2015 and took retirement from 2020 to 2024 so I have lost nine years but I accept it all as God’s will and I have moved on,” Amir told Pakistani journalist Hafiz Mohammad Imran on his YouTube channel.
“There has been a lot of criticism by some people on me and Imad being selected without playing domestic cricket. I ask them what is Pakistan’s premier domestic T20 event. The PSL. And both of us (Imad) have played and performed in the PSL besides appearing regularly in other leagues. So what is wrong with selecting us for the T20 format?” he added.
Also read: PAK vs IRE: Haris Rauf jealous of Mohammad Amir? Pakistan Pacer delivers a stunning revelation