Derbyshire sign Mohammad Amir as overseas player for half of 2024 season

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has signed with Derbyshire County Cricket Club as an international player for the first half of the 2024 season. In both Championship and T20 Blast games, the 31-year-old player is expected to make a substantial contribution to Derbyshire's bowling lineup.

Reports suggest that Derbyshire had initially explored the possibility of bringing Amir in as a local player. The bowler had applied for British citizenship through his marriage, raising hopes of a potential homegrown talent. However, it has been confirmed that Amir will join as an overseas player. 

He has had prior experience playing county cricket with Essex and Gloucestershire, and he is no stranger to Derbyshire's head of cricket, Mickey Arthur. The duo had previously worked together during Arthur's tenure as Pakistan's coach, establishing a strong professional rapport.

"Mohammad is a world-renowned fast bowler, and someone who I am delighted to bring to Derbyshire," said Mickey Arthur, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"He will lead our attack in red ball and T20 for the first half of next season, and I'm so excited to see what he will produce. I know all about his quality; he has been a big-game player throughout his career, and that's something I've seen first-hand. I know the Derbyshire supporters are going to love seeing Mohammad charging in," Arthur added.

Amir's experience to boost Derbyshire

Amir, who retired from international cricket in 2020 after representing Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 50 T20Is, brings a wealth of experience with him. His impressive first-class record includes 266 wickets at an average of 22.63. While actively playing in various T20 leagues, such as the PSL, BPL, CPL, LPL, and the Hundred, his most recent first-class appearance was for Gloucestershire in May 2022.

"I've enjoyed my experiences of county cricket in the past, and joining up with Mickey, who I've had so much success with internationally, is something I'm looking forward to. I want to put in the performances to help Derbyshire challenge in red and white ball cricket next summer," Amir said expressing his excitement about joining Derbyshire.