Will Mohammad Amir play for Derbyshire in 2024 county season?
The 31-year-old signed contract with the club last year
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, who announced his return in international cricket after four years, will not join Derbyshire County Club for the start of the season.
The 31-year-old signed contract with the club for the season, however, made the late decision to return to international cricket and is expected to shortly be named in the Pakistan squad for their home series against New Zealand, starting on April 18.
In a statement, Derbyshire confirmed they have started looking for an overseas replacement for Amir.
Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, said: “While this is disappointing on the eve of the season, I respect Mohammad’s decision and following recent conversations with the Pakistan Cricket Board, I know he had aspirations to return to international cricket if the opportunity would arise.
“The Club and player are keen to see him join-up with Derbyshire at the end of the T20 World Cup for those final six Vitality Blast group games and discussions are already underway.
“In terms of an early season replacement, there are a few options we can explore and I’ve had encouraging conversations already today, but we won’t rush into a knee-jerk decision.
“We have a talented squad here at Derbyshire and have strengthened well over the winter. Our pre-season preparations have been the best I’ve seen in my time here and we’ve already got competition in the bowling attack going into April.”
Earlier today, Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Amir confirmed on Sunday that he still dreams of playing for Pakistan and therefore, has taken his retirement back as he has put his country ahead of his personal decisions.
“I still dream to play for Pakistan,” Amir posted on X. “Life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions.
"There has been few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan after discussing with family and well-wishers, I declare that I am available to be considered for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“I want do this for my country as it comes before my personal decisions. Donning the green jersey and serving my country has always been, and will continue to be, my greatest aspirations.”
Remember, Amir has represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 50 T20Is. He last played an international match in 2020. The pacer was also part of the Pakistan team when they won the ICC T20 World Cup 2009 and ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
Comments