Mohammad Amir granted visa for Pakistan tour of New Zealand

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been granted a visa to travel to New Zealand for Pakistan's limited-overs matches later this month.

Amir received his first Pakistan call-up since completing a five-year ban for spot-fixing when he was named in the one-day international and Twenty20 squads following some good performances in Pakistan's domestic game.

The series against New Zealand begins on January 15 with the first of three T20 internationals before the sides play three ODIs.

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"Immigration New Zealand (INZ) 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 INZ area manager Michael Carley in a statement.

"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.

"Taking into account all the circumstances and with full understanding of the purpose of his visit, a visa has been approved for Mr Amir."

The left-arm fast bowler's inclusion in a 26-man training squad for the tour had caused some controversy within the Pakistan ranks, with one-day captain Azhar Ali offering to resign.

The Pakistan Cricket Board rejected Azhar's resignation, although Mohammad Hafeez had also expressed reservations about playing with Amir.