Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir planning to settle down in England

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been in the news in the last couple of days. His decision to retire from Test cricket has surprised everyone around the cricketing fraternity. The left-arm pacer is just 27 years old and seems to have a lot of cricket left in him. However, Amir has decided to call it a day so that he can concentrate on the shorter formats.

In fact, there are sources that revealed that Amir is planning to obtain a British passport and settle down in the United Kingdom. The 27-year-old is already eligible for a spouse visa which permits him to stay in England for 30 months. He is married to Nargis Malik who is a British national and resident. It’s been almost three years since the duo tied a knot. Thus, Amir can apply for a spouse visa.

“He is clearly planning to obtain a British passport and permanently settle down in England in the future. With a spouse visa he can work freely and enjoy other benefits as a permanent resident of the UK which is why he is planning to also purchase a house in England,” a source was quoted saying by India Today.

Moreover, Amir has been constantly traveling to the UK. He played for Essex in 2017 in the County Championship. Earlier this year, he also revealed that he will be back playing for Essex in the Vitality Blast this year.

Shoaib Akhtar disappointed by Amir’s decision to retire from Test cricket

Mohammad Amir’s decision to hang up his boots in Test cricket hasn’t gone down well with some of the Pakistan greats. The likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Ramiz Raza have expressed their surprise and disappointment at the 27-year-old’s decision to call it quits in the longest format. Shoaib Akhtar didn’t hold his disappointment either.

“I am disappointed and sad at his decision at this time. At 27 years of age he is at his peak and should be available for Pakistan in Test cricket,” Akhtar was quoted saying. He also fears that the likes of Hassan Ali and Wahab Riaz might follow suit and quit Test cricket.