PCB allows Mohammad Amir to return to Essex

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allowed fast bowler Mohammad Amir to return to Essex and play against Somerset in the County Championship match, according to reports. The PCB had earlier decided to recall its players back, and it appeared as Amir’s last game will be against Sussex Sharks.

However, the in-form bowler has been granted permission to return to the county set up. Essex are at the top of the table in Division one, and they will be facing Somerset on August 28.  The PCB had originally decided to revoke the NOCs given to 13 of its players playing in England and the Caribbean Premier League, ordering them to fly back by August 22.

The decision was taken because of the rescheduling of an upcoming World XI series — meant Amir, as well as Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed (Yorkshire) and left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman, who was due to play for Somerset, had to cut off their assignments with the respective county clubs. But Amir, who was crucial throughout the season and took 10 wickets in a two-day victory over Yorkshire earlier this month, will now fly back from Pakistan on August 26 to play Somerset from Aug 28 to 31.

Return for the World XI tour

The 25-year old will then return to Pakistan for the World XI series, which will be played in a window between September 10 and 16. Essex haven’t lifted the trophy for over 25 years now and this season is turning out to be a potential opportunity for them to get their hands on the cup. They are currently 41 points clear of the second placed Lancashire in the County Championship’s Division One with five crucial matches to go.

The pacer was currently in the news for taking a shot at his team-mate Callum Taylor for failing to spot a catchable ball in the sun, during their game against Sussex Sharks.