Mohammad Amir now holds a British passport and, with it, a place in the Nottinghamshire squad for the remaining T20 Blast group matches and any knock-out games that might follow. The 34-year-old left-arm quick qualified through his wife, a UK citizen, which means he slots in as a domestic player rather than one of the two overseas spots.
That distinction matters. Notts can still select South Africa all-rounder George Linde and fellow Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Ali without any juggling. They sit second in the North Group after six outings and expect Amir to debut away to Kent on Friday evening.
Amir last played for Pakistan at the 2024 T20 World Cup and has been something of a traveller on the county circuit, turning out for Essex, Gloucestershire and Derbyshire in previous Blast campaigns. He has also appeared in the Hundred for London Spirit, Oval Invincibles (now MI London) and Northern Superchargers (now Sunrisers Leeds).
The Hundred could beckon again. It is understood Trent Rockets are weighing him up as cover, with left-armer David Payne recovering from ankle surgery and New Zealander Matt Henry nursing a minor calf strain.
“I’m really excited to have joined Notts,” Amir said. “I’ve heard lots of good things about this club, and I’m looking forward to it. I have lots and lots of memories at Trent Bridge, and I know that T20 is all about entertaining the people, so I’ll be trying my best to do well for this team and make this crowd happy.”
Head coach Peter Moores, who previously linked up with Amir at Karachi Kings in the PSL, welcomed the signing. “Mo has a great skillset for both the Powerplay and the end of the innings, as well as the mental strength to deliver under pressure, which has made him so valuable to teams around the world,” Moores said.
Elsewhere, Derbyshire’s spin plans have taken another twist. Left-arm wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim, initially ruled out after a late Pakistan ODI call-up, will now join them for the back half of the Blast. He replaces Afghanistan teenager AM Ghazanfar, withdrawn by his board to manage workload.
Amir’s arrival reinforces an already versatile Notts attack. He remains a canny operator with the new ball and, crucially, a proven finisher at the death. How many overs he actually bowls may hinge on match situations and fitness, but the option alone broadens Moores’ tactical palette.
For Amir, the move also feels like a step towards a longer post-international career in the UK. County cricket can be relentless, the roads unforgiving, yet the familiar Trent Bridge slope and a local status should make the transition that bit smoother.
