Mohammad Amir joins Kent for second half of Vitality T20 Blast

Mohammad Amir, the Pakistan fast bowler, has signed to play for Kent in this year's Vitality Blast. He is set to arrive for the second half of the competition, after the conclusion of the rearranged Pakistan Super League, and be available for up to seven group matches, as well as the knockouts if Kent qualify.

Amir, 29, retired from international cricket last year and is effectively a T20 specialist, having not played any other format since 2019. He was a World T20 winner in 2009, helping Pakistan to lift the title at Lord's, and played for Blast champions Essex during the group stage two summers ago.

His first game could come against Essex, with Kent travelling to Chelmsford on June 25 - although his involvement will depend on the progress of Karachi Kings at the PSL. The final of the PSL is scheduled for June 20 in Karachi, but Amir's arrival from Pakistan, which is currently on the UK government's travel "red list", is likely to mean serving a period in quarantine.

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

Amir, a PSL winner with Karachi last year, has taken 220 wickets in 190 T20 appearances, with a career economy of 7.09. He played in the Blast for Essex in 2017 and 2019, has featured regularly in the Bangladesh Premier League, and was involved in last year's inaugural Lanka Premier League.

The left-armer also played a pivotal role in Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy success in England, and was a member of the 2019 World Cup squad, but retired from Test cricket the same year in order to manage his workload. His last international appearance came on the 2020 tour of England, before a falling out with the Pakistan management.

Kent's 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 Vitality 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."

Kent have reached the quarter-finals of the Blast in two of the last three seasons, but last made an appearance at Finals Day back in 2009.