Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir will miss the start of the season with Derbyshire to return to international cricket.

Amir, 31, had signed to play for Derbyshire for the first half of the Championship season and all the T20 Blast group games.

But he will only be available for six group matches after the T20 World Cup.

It is expected that Amir will now be named in Pakistan's squad for a five-match T20 series at home to New Zealand, starting on 18 April.

Left-arm quick Amir last played for his country in 2020, having made 146 appearances across all three formats, but retired saying he was "mentally tortured" by the team management.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Amir said: "I still dream to play for Pakistan. Life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions.

"There has been a few positive discussions between myself and the PCB [Pakistan Cricket Board] 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 upcoming T20WC. 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."

Amir joins all-rounder Imad Wasim in reversing his international retirement ahead of the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies from 1 June.

Derbyshire will now look for an overseas replacement for Amir, with their Championship campaign set to start on 5 April.

"While this is disappointing on the eve of the season, I respect Mohammad's decision," Derbyshire's head of cricket Mickey Arthur told the club's website.

"Following recent conversations with the Pakistan Cricket Board, I know he had aspirations to return to international cricket if the opportunity would arise."

Source: BBC

BDST: 1151 HRS, MAR 25, 2024
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