Former Pakistani fast bowler, Mohammad Amir, is set to make a comeback to county cricket with Derbyshire after acquiring UK citizenship next year through his marriage to British national Narjis Khan. The thirty-one-year-old cricketer retired from international cricket in 2020 but continued to play in various T20 leagues worldwide, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and the Caribbean.
Notably, Amir had faced a five-year ban from international cricket, along with Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, due to their involvement in a spot-fixing case in 2010. He also served time in young offenders’ institutes in Feltham and Dorset as part of the punishment. However, after his return to cricket in 2016, Amir played a crucial role in Pakistan’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, particularly remembered for his outstanding performance in the final against arch-rivals India.
Amir’s upcoming stint with Derbyshire marks his return to county cricket, having previously represented Essex and Gloucestershire. Interestingly, Derbyshire is also home to Mickey Arthur, the director of cricket for the Pakistan team, who serves as the head coach.
Despite gaining British citizenship, Amir has made it clear that he will not consider playing for England, as his loyalties lie with Pakistan, where he has already represented the national team. As for participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he remains non-committal, preferring to take things one step at a time and focusing on the present.
Currently, Amir is showcasing his skills with Durban Qalandars in the inaugural edition of the Zim Afro T10 League. With his return to county cricket, fans and supporters eagerly anticipate seeing the fiery bowler in action once again as he dons the Derbyshire colors in the upcoming season.
