New Delhi:
Mohammad Amir had stunned the cricketing world when he announced his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 27. However, Amir was involved in a fresh controversy recently and it involved social media. On Twitter, veteran Pakistan journalist Saj Sadiq had said he did not understand the big deal been made about Amir applying for a British passport as he is entitled to do so. However, one user said '(Amir) should leave the terrorist country'. Amir, who has been retweeting about cricketers talking about their times with him, apparently liked the tweet which created a major storm about Amir wanting to apply for British citizenship. However, Amir clarified when he said, "No sir by mistake I liked that tweet I was trying to like other tweet AND PROUD TO BE A PAKISTANI."
Amir, who finished ICC World Cup 2019 being the highest wicket-taker for his side has announced retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. Mohammad Amir made his Test debut as a 17-year-old in Sri Lanka in 2009, and after some hurdles in his International career, he finally calls it a day in the longest format. He walks away from the format after having picked 119 wickets in the 36 games he has played. Interestingly, Amir will continue to feature in the shorter format of the game.
In a statement, Amir said, "It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game. I, however, have decided to move away from the longer version so I can concentrate on white-ball cricket. Playing for Pakistan remains my ultimate desire and objective, and I will try my best to be in the best physical shape to contribute in the team's upcoming challenges, including next year's ICC T20 World Cup," he added. 
Mohammad Amir has given a clarification on his tweet which he mistakingly liked. (Image credit: Twitter)
Amir played 22 of his 36 Tests since comeback in 2016, picking up 68 wickets and achieving his career-best figures of 6 for 44 against West Indies in Jamaica. Amir decided against extending this run with a view on the upcoming Test championship and the need to clear the deck for other up and coming pacers.
Well... pic.twitter.com/WPFYk835kT
— DIVYANSHU (@MSDivyanshu) July 28, 2019
Amir is apparently planning to obtain a British passport and settle in the United Kingdom, according to a well-informed source. Amir, who is married to a British national Nargis Malik on September 2016, is planning a spouse visa which allows him to stay in the United Kingdom for two and a half years. Although Amir spent some time in a juvenile facility due to his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal during the Lord's Test of 2010, the left-arm pacer will have no problem in obtaining the spouse visa.
"He is clearly planning to obtain a British passport and permanently settle down in England in 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. He travels to England regularly and also plays county cricket since last year. So, there are no hurdles for him now," a Pakistan Cricket Board source said.
