By Bilal Ahmed
Amir joins Notts Outlaws for 2026 Vitality Blast
Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has officially joined Notts Outlaws for the remainder of the 2026 Vitality Blast season. The left-arm fast bowler has agreed to a short-term deal, linking up with the team at Trent Bridge. This move is particularly significant as Amir holds a British passport, allowing him to be registered as a domestic player rather than an overseas player.
This status provides a crucial advantage for the Outlaws, enabling them to bolster their squad with Amir’s extensive experience without utilising an international player slot. His arrival comes as the team aims to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the competition, with the Outlaws currently positioned second in the six-team North Group.
Amir expressed his enthusiasm for joining the club and returning to Trent Bridge, a venue where he has previously experienced success on the international stage. He highlighted his fond memories of the ground and his commitment to entertaining the crowd and performing well for his new team. The pacer also noted the team’s recent strong performance, having won their last three matches, and aims to help maintain that momentum.
A decorated career and reunion with Moores
Mohammad Amir brings a distinguished Twenty20 career to Nottinghamshire. He has accumulated 425 career T20 wickets at an average of 22.63 and an economy rate of 7.36. His best bowling figures in the format stand at 6/17, underscoring his effectiveness as a bowler in T20 cricket.
His impressive track record includes being a two-time international trophy winner with Pakistan, having lifted the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, both hosted in England. Domestically, Amir has also tasted success in England, winning the 2019 Vitality Blast title with Essex and being part of Oval Invincibles’ 2024 Hundred-winning squad. His franchise experience extends globally, including a 2020 Pakistan Super League title and stints in leagues across Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.
The decision to bring Amir into the squad was influenced by his broad experience, which is considered valuable for the latter stages of the campaign. Notts Outlaws head coach Peter Moores welcomed Amir, with whom he previously worked at Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. Moores praised Amir’s diverse skill set, noting his ability to perform effectively during both the powerplay and the death overs of an innings.
Moores also highlighted Amir’s mental fortitude, describing it as a key attribute that has made him a valuable asset to teams worldwide. He commended Amir’s energy and passion for the game, acknowledging his journey through various highs and lows in his career. The coach emphasised that Amir possesses both high skill and strong mental capabilities, making him an ideal addition to the squad.
Immediate availability and team aspirations
Mohammad Amir is immediately available for selection for the upcoming match. The Outlaws are scheduled to face Kent Spitfires on Friday. This fixture marks a notable occasion as the two teams have not met in T20 cricket since 2007.
The addition of Amir is expected to provide a significant boost to the Notts Outlaws as they push for a strong finish in the 2026 Vitality Blast. The team’s current standing in the North Group positions them well for a potential spot in the last eight of the competition.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
