Mohammad Amir Joins Notts as Local Player for T20 Blast

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-06-27

Mohammad Amir has officially joined Nottinghamshire for the remainder of the 2026 Vitality T20 Blast season. The club confirmed the news on Thursday, June 25, 2026. What makes this signing unique is that Amir will represent the Notts Outlaws as a local player, not an overseas signing. This shift comes after he recently obtained his British passport. He's now eligible to play without taking up one of the limited overseas slots. He'll be available for the team's next match against the Kent Spitfires on June 26. ### Why This Move Matters for Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire currently sits second in the North Group of the 2026 T20 Blast. They've recorded three wins and three losses from their first six games. Adding a world-class fast bowler like Amir gives them a serious boost for the knockout stages. Amir joins as a direct replacement for Afghanistan's AM Ghazanfar, who withdrew to manage his workload. Since Amir holds a British passport, he doesn't occupy an overseas spot. This means the Outlaws can still field other international stars like South African all-rounder George Linde and Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Ali. ### How Amir Became a Local Player The 34-year-old speedster officially became a British citizen last month. He obtained his UK passport through his wife, Narjis Khan, who is a British citizen. This legal status changes how he's registered in English domestic cricket. Previously, Amir had to compete for an overseas slot. Now, he can play as a domestic cricketer. This could significantly extend his career in the English circuit. Plus, his British passport makes him eligible for other global leagues, like the Indian Premier League (IPL), which usually excludes Pakistan players. Amir retired from international cricket for a second time after the 2024 T20 World Cup. He played 159 matches for Pakistan across all formats, taking 271 wickets. ### Career Highlights and Elite Stats Mohammad Amir has played 364 career Twenty20 matches and taken 425 wickets. His average sits at an impressive 22.63 with an economy rate of 7.36 runs per over. Those numbers show why he's still a top-tier bowler. His record in major tournaments is equally impressive. Amir played a key role in Pakistan winning two major trophies: the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. He's also found success in English domestic competitions, having played for Essex, Gloucestershire, and Derbyshire. Notably, he helped Essex win the Vitality Blast trophy in 2019. More recently, he won The Hundred in 2024 with the Oval Invincibles. ### Reunited with Head Coach Peter Moores This move reunites Amir with head coach Peter Moores. The two previously worked together in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with the Karachi Kings. Moores said he's looking forward to working with the left-arm pacer again. "I know what he brings to the table," Moores mentioned. "He's a proven match-winner, and his experience will be invaluable for our younger players." That kind of trust can make a huge difference in a team's performance. ### What This Means for the Rest of the Season With Amir in the squad, Nottinghamshire's bowling attack looks much stronger. He can swing the ball both ways and has a knack for taking early wickets. That's exactly what you need in a T20 competition where every over counts. Fans should expect to see him in action soon. He's already been named in the 15-man squad for the trip to Kent. The Outlaws are hoping to maintain their momentum and push for a playoff spot. If Amir performs at his best, they've got a real shot at the title. In short, this signing is a win-win. Amir gets to play more cricket without worrying about visa issues. Nottinghamshire gets a proven performer without sacrificing an overseas slot. It's a smart move that could pay off big time.