By Bilal Ahmed
Notts Outlaws have announced the signing of former Pakistan seam bowler Mohammad Amir for the rest of the T20 Blast season. Amir joins the team as a local player, which means he will not occupy an overseas player slot due to his British passport.
The left-arm quick, who is 34 years old, returns to English cricket at Trent Bridge. His previous stints in English domestic cricket include playing for Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, and Essex. He was part of the Essex squad that secured the T20 Blast title in 2019. Amir also contributed to Oval Invincibles winning The Hundred title in 2024.
Amir’s Extensive Career and Reunion with Coach Moores
Amir brings a wealth of experience from his extensive T20 franchise career, which has seen him compete in various leagues globally. Across 364 matches, he has taken 425 wickets at an average of 22.63. His best bowling figures stand at 6/17, and he maintains an overall economy rate of 7.36 runs per over.
His international achievements with Pakistan include winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2009 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. Both of these international tournaments were hosted in England. Additionally, Amir tasted success in his home country, winning the Pakistan Super League with Karachi Kings in 2020. His global franchise experience extends to leagues in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.
The move to Notts also marks a reunion for Amir with head coach Peter Moores. The two previously worked together at the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. Moores expressed his enthusiasm for Amir’s arrival, highlighting his skill set for both the powerplay and the end of the innings, as well as his mental strength under pressure.
Moores noted that this is not the first time he has had the opportunity to work with Amir, recalling their time together in the PSL. He mentioned that Amir had picked up an injury during their previous collaboration, which cut his tournament short, and expressed hope for better luck this time around. Moores believes Amir’s experience, having navigated the highs and lows of the game, will be invaluable to the team as they progress into the latter stages of the tournament.
Impact on Notts Outlaws and Player’s Excitement
Amir’s inclusion strengthens a Notts side that currently holds the second position in the T20 Blast Northern Group after six matches. His status as a British passport holder means the team can integrate him without using an overseas player slot, which is a strategic advantage for the club.
Mohammad Amir shared his excitement about joining Notts, stating he had heard many positive things about the club. He looks forward to contributing to the team’s performance. Amir also mentioned his many memories at Trent Bridge and his understanding that T20 cricket is about entertaining the crowd, vowing to do his best to perform well and make the supporters happy.
He acknowledged the team’s strong performance in their last three games and expressed his intention to help maintain that momentum throughout the tournament. Moores reiterated that cricketers with high skill and strong mental ability are essential for any team, and Amir fulfills both criteria, making his addition a significant boost for the Outlaws.
Amir’s short-term deal covers the remainder of the 2026 Vitality Blast, including any potential knockout matches that Notts may play.
Source: bbc.co.uk
