Kent sign up Amir for T20

Kent have signed former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir for the second half of this year’s T20 Blast.

Amir, who played for Essex between 2017 and 2019, will link up with Kent for up to seven group matches and will be available to play in the knockout rounds if Kent qualify.

His exact arrival date will depend on Karachi Kings’ progress in this year’s PSL as well as any mandatory quarantining period upon arrival into the UK. The 29-year-old’s first match could be against his former county on June 25.

Kent director of cricket Paul Downton said: “We’re delighted that a player of Amir’s quality has agreed to join us for the later stages of the Blast this year.

“His skill and experience will be an invaluable addition to our bowling attack and I’m sure our members and supporters will share our enthusiasm in welcoming Amir to the club.”

Amir said: “I am excited to join a Kent team full of potential. “I have always enjoyed playing at Canterbury, and I hope I will be able to help Kent win a trophy this year.”

Amir, who quit Tests in 2019, retired from international cricket at the end of last year after being left out of Pakistan’s squad for the tour of New Zealand. He took 59 wickets at an average of 21.40 in 50 international T20 matches.

He was one of three Pakistan players jailed in 2011 for a plot to bowl no-balls in a Test against England, and served a five-year ban for spot-fixing. Amir returned to the Pakistan squad in January 2016 and was part of the side that won the 2017 Champions Trophy.