Pakistan left-armer could be to be had for up to seven group games and the knockouts
Mohammad Amir, the Pakistan fast bowler, has signed to play for Kent in this year’s Vitality Blast. He’s set to reach for the second one half of the competition, after the conclusion of the rearranged Pakistan Super League, and be to be had for up to seven group matches, in addition to the knockouts whether Kent qualify.
Amir, 29, retired from international cricket final year and is effectively a T20 specialist, having not played any other format since 2019. He used to be a World T20 winner in 2009, helping Pakistan to lift the title at Lord’s, and played for Blast champions Essex all through the group stage two summers ago.
His first game could come against Essex, with Kent travelling to Chelmsford on June 25 – even though his involvement will depend on the progress of Karachi Kings at the PSL. The last of the PSL is scheduled for June 20 in Karachi, but Amir’s arrival from Pakistan, which is currently on the United Kingdom government’s trip “red list”, is likely to intent serving a period in quarantine.
“I am excited to sign up for a Kent team full of potential,” Amir said. “I have at all times enjoyed playing at Canterbury, and I’m hoping I will help Kent win a trophy this year.”
Amir, a PSL winner with Karachi final year, has taken 220 wickets in 190 T20 appearances, with a career economy of 7.09. He played in the Blast for Essex in 2017 and 2019, has featured steadily in the Bangladesh Premier League, and used to be involved in final year’s inaugural Lanka Premier League.
The left-armer also played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy success in England, and used to be a member of the 2019 World Cup squad, but retired from Test cricket the same year with a purpose to manage his workload. His final international appearance came on the 2020 tour of England, before a falling out with the Pakistan management.
Kent’s director of cricket, Paul Downton, said: “We’re delighted that a player of Amir’s quality has agreed to sign up for us for the later stages of the Vitality Blast this year. His skill and experience will be an invaluable addition to our bowling attack and I’m certain our members and supporters will share our enthusiasm in welcoming Amir to the club.”
Kent have reached the quarter-finals of the Blast in two of the final three seasons, but final made an appearance at Finals Day back in 2009.