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In a major U-turn, former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir is set to return to red-ball cricket after signing a short-term deal with County Championship side Gloucestershire. The left-arm pacer will play just three Championship games for the side in the ongoing season.
Gloucestershire were forced to make the change as young Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah was ruled out due to shoulder injury. Shah will be out of action till the start of T20 Blast.
The 30-year-old has joined the squad in Manchester ahead of their next clash against Surrey at County Ground, Bristol starting April 28.
"The County Championship is an amazing competition and I can't wait to get going with Gloucestershire," Amir said in the release posted by the club. "I love playing in English conditions and I'm feeling really good, so I hope I can perform well for the team."
Amir has not played a single First-Class game since 2019. He left the Test format to focus on white-ball cricket. Last year, he announced retirement from international cricket. However, the veteran Pakistan pacer who was involved in 2010 spot-fixing scandal, said that he can come out of retirement.
Earlier, the southpaw has played County cricket for Essex after he retired from Test cricket. He has 119 wickets from 36 Tests at an average of 30.47 including four five-wicket hauls.
Steve Nell’s statement on new signing
“We are delighted to have signed a bowler of Amir’s calibre. We will sadly be without Naseem for a few weeks due to injury and while we help him get back to full fitness, Amir will provide us with quality and international experience in our seam attack for what is a strong first division competition,” said Steve Snell, Performance Director at Gloucestershire Cricket.
“Amir fits the bill perfectly for what we need and we’re confident he will be a great addition to the squad for those three matches. He has indicated his hunger and desire to make pivotal contributions during his time with us and we look forward to making him feel welcome in Bristol with Gloucestershire,” Snell added.
