Mohammad Amir appears to have brought an end to speculation over another return to Pakistan cricket, saying his “Pakistan chapter” is now closed after acquiring British citizenship and becoming eligible to play as a local in English domestic competitions.
The 34-year-old left-arm fast bowler explained that his status as a British local comes with conditions that prevent him from representing another country while retaining his local-player classification.
“I am a British local now,” Amir said in an interview with cricket journalist and YouTuber Muhammad Furqan Bhatti.
“When you play in competitions such as the County Championship and The Hundred as a local player, you have to sign a document stating that you cannot play for another country as a local. So, the Pakistan chapter I had before is now closed,” he said.
Amir explains why another Pakistan comeback is unlikely
Amir’s comments appear to settle years of speculation surrounding his international future.
The fast bowler initially retired from international cricket in December 2020 after expressing dissatisfaction with the Pakistan team’s management. However, he reversed his decision ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup and returned to international cricket after nearly four years away.
His second stint was brief. Amir announced his retirement again in December 2024, but discussions about a possible future comeback continued, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching.
His latest comments, however, provide a clear reason why another return is unlikely.
Amir acquired British citizenship through his wife, Narjis Khan, allowing him to play English domestic cricket as a local rather than taking up an overseas-player slot.
From teenage World Cup winner to Pakistan great
Amir’s international career began when he was still a teenager and produced some memorable performances for Pakistan.
He was part of Pakistan’s squad that won the 2009 T20 World Cup and later played a starring role in the team’s famous triumph at the 2017 Champions Trophy.
In the Champions Trophy final against India at The Oval, Amir produced a devastating spell of 3/16, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli as Pakistan won by 180 runs.
He was also Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker at the 2019 ODI World Cup, claiming 17 wickets, including a five-wicket haul against Australia.
Across international cricket, Amir took 119 wickets in Tests, 81 in ODIs and 71 in T20Is, giving him 271 wickets across formats.
What next for Mohammad Amir?
With his British-local status, Amir’s immediate cricketing future appears increasingly linked to domestic and franchise cricket in Britain.
His decision also means Pakistan supporters may have to accept that one of the most talented fast bowlers of his generation will not make another international comeback.
For a player whose career was marked by spectacular performances, retirement announcements and unexpected returns, Amir’s latest statement sounds considerably more definitive.
“The Pakistan chapter I had before is now closed,” he said.
