Pakistan seek visa for bowler Mohammad Amir

Pakistan are hoping the British authorities will grant Mohammad Amir a visa so he can play in this summer's Test and limited-overs series against England.

The left-arm fast bowler, along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, were banned from cricket for five years for their part in the spot-fixing scandal of 2010.

The trio were also handed jail sentences after being found guilty of taking money for no-balls which were deliberately bowled during the Lord's Test against England in August of that year.

Amir was sentenced to six months in a young offenders' institution, which means his criminal record may result in him being denied entry to Britain.

Now 24, he has made a successful return to the sport following the ban and Pakistan are keen to include him in their tour squad for England where Pakistan will play four Tests, five ODIs and a solitary Twenty20 match.

On Friday, Pakistan's cricketing authorities (PCB) submitted a British visa application and are hoping to name Amir in their tour party.

A PCB press release reads: "Amir's visa application was submitted today at the UK High Commission in Islamabad. He completed the process of the application."

Immigration lawyers told The Daily Telegraph last month how Amir's case would depend on whether his admission into the country would be contrary to the public good and would remain at the discretion of the immigration officer dealing with his application.

Legal sources said Amir's case was different from Butt and Asif's, because he was not deported from England after being released in February 2012.

It is believed that New Zealand's decision to grant Amir a visa in January, while also receiving lenient treatment from the International Cricket Council, could help his cause.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan is hoping Amir's case would be considered on sympathetic grounds.

He said: "I have written a letter to the High Commissioner seeking special and sympathetic consideration on Amir's visa.

"The England and Wales Cricket Board is also assisting and are in touch with their Home department, so we hope for a positive response."

The first Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's starts on July 14.