Pakistan lodges New Zealand visa application for Amir
NZ immigration official says they will make a decision on the visa plea in the next few days
Muhammad Amir. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The New Zealand immigration authority has received a visa application for left-arm fast-bowler Muhammad Amir to travel to the country where he is set to perform against the Black Caps in three T20 matches.
"INZ is aware of the dates of the intended games and expects to make a decision on the application in the next few days; however, processing times will always depend on the complexity of an application or where more information is needed," INZ area manager Michael Carley said in a statement, confirming the application was received on Tuesday.
Confirmation of the application comes as Amir claims he is a changed man, having been named to tour New Zealand and return to international cricket.
Amir thanks Afridi for his support
The young left-arm pace bowler is set to end a five-year absence by tangling with the Black Caps if immigration authorities give him the green light after his spot-fixing conviction.
The 23-year-old made it clear he is eager for the opportunity and believes he deserves another chance though he realises he will have to win the trust of fans again after admitting his deceit from a Lord's test against England in 2010.
"I am a different person this time," Amir told the media after he was selected in Pakistan's squad for the limited overs series in New Zealand that features three T20s and three ODIs.
"I know it is a slow process and I will definitely win it with my performance. I am determined to do this for the fans who stood by me … now it's all about their pride and I will be the guardian of their trust."
Waqar urges for patience on Amir comeback
Amir, who committed his spot-fixing at the age of 18 as he burst on to the international stage, believes he needs support to make his way back into the game.
"This is tricky. If anyone says you are bad this mean he wants you to be good, and I am here to be good and I want to be good. If they say I have done bad then they should also give me a chance to change myself for good. I need their support and I will prove to them that I am a changed person," he said.
"I know people madly in love with cricket, they got hurt, and they now should trust me only because I want to give back their love for cricket, by performing. I want them to trust me because they lost something because of me and I want to give back with my whole heart and soul,” he added.
Amir felt he had made good impressions with his team-mates in training, despite difficult circumstances. He said he respected the opinions of senior batsman Mohammad Hafeez and ODI captain Azhar Ali who had expressed concerns over his hurried return.
McCullum backs Amir's return to Pakistan squad
"Everyone has an opinion and I respect that. It's their right to express whatever they felt and I am not hurt at all. You can't push and force people to do what they don't want to do. Whatever they said it was their opinion and I believe if there are issues it should be addressed, discussed. Credit should be given to the board as it intervened and united us all together,” the pacer said. He said he felt the players realised he was "a changed person".
Leading New Zealand cricket personalities, including chief executive David White and Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum, have expressed comfort and acceptance of Amir's selection for the tour.
The news originally appeared on stuff.co.nz website.
"INZ is aware of the dates of the intended games and expects to make a decision on the application in the next few days; however, processing times will always depend on the complexity of an application or where more information is needed," INZ area manager Michael Carley said in a statement, confirming the application was received on Tuesday.
Confirmation of the application comes as Amir claims he is a changed man, having been named to tour New Zealand and return to international cricket.
Amir thanks Afridi for his support
The young left-arm pace bowler is set to end a five-year absence by tangling with the Black Caps if immigration authorities give him the green light after his spot-fixing conviction.
The 23-year-old made it clear he is eager for the opportunity and believes he deserves another chance though he realises he will have to win the trust of fans again after admitting his deceit from a Lord's test against England in 2010.
"I am a different person this time," Amir told the media after he was selected in Pakistan's squad for the limited overs series in New Zealand that features three T20s and three ODIs.
"I know it is a slow process and I will definitely win it with my performance. I am determined to do this for the fans who stood by me … now it's all about their pride and I will be the guardian of their trust."
Waqar urges for patience on Amir comeback
Amir, who committed his spot-fixing at the age of 18 as he burst on to the international stage, believes he needs support to make his way back into the game.
"This is tricky. If anyone says you are bad this mean he wants you to be good, and I am here to be good and I want to be good. If they say I have done bad then they should also give me a chance to change myself for good. I need their support and I will prove to them that I am a changed person," he said.
"I know people madly in love with cricket, they got hurt, and they now should trust me only because I want to give back their love for cricket, by performing. I want them to trust me because they lost something because of me and I want to give back with my whole heart and soul,” he added.
Amir felt he had made good impressions with his team-mates in training, despite difficult circumstances. He said he respected the opinions of senior batsman Mohammad Hafeez and ODI captain Azhar Ali who had expressed concerns over his hurried return.
McCullum backs Amir's return to Pakistan squad
"Everyone has an opinion and I respect that. It's their right to express whatever they felt and I am not hurt at all. You can't push and force people to do what they don't want to do. Whatever they said it was their opinion and I believe if there are issues it should be addressed, discussed. Credit should be given to the board as it intervened and united us all together,” the pacer said. He said he felt the players realised he was "a changed person".
Leading New Zealand cricket personalities, including chief executive David White and Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum, have expressed comfort and acceptance of Amir's selection for the tour.
The news originally appeared on stuff.co.nz website.