Mohammad Amir has definitively ruled out any future return to Pakistan cricket following his acquisition of British citizenship and the contractual obligations that accompany his status as a local player in English domestic competitions. The left-arm pacer, who retired from international cricket on December 14, 2024, has now taken steps that legally prevent him from representing another country in the same capacity.
Amir explained the binding nature of his new position in English cricket. Players
who feature as locals in English domestic competitions, including county cricket and The Hundred, are required to sign a document confirming they will not represent another country as a local player.
"I am a British local now. 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," Amir said during the interview with Muhammad Furqan Bhatti.
Why Amir cannot return to Pakistan cricket?
Amir's contractual position in English domestic cricket creates a legal barrier to any future Pakistan selection. The document he signed as a local player in county cricket and The Hundred competitions explicitly prevents him from representing another country in the same capacity. This restriction is a standard requirement for all players who feature as locals in these English competitions.
His acquisition of British citizenship through his wife, Narjis Khan, was officially confirmed in June 2026 around the time Nottinghamshire brought him on board for the 2026 Vitality Blast. The combination of his British passport and the contractual obligations he has undertaken in English domestic cricket has effectively closed the door on any international return to Pakistan.
Amir's international career record
Amir's international career with Pakistan spanned multiple formats and delivered significant achievements. He played 36 Tests taking 119 wickets, took 81 wickets in 61 ODIs and in 62 T20Is he grabbed 71 wickets. His performance at the 2019 ODI World Cup proved particularly notable, as he emerged as Pakistan's leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets in eight matches. Against Australia in that tournament, he returned his best figures of 5/30.
The pacer's journey to this point included two separate international retirements. He first stepped away from Pakistan cricket in December 2020 following disagreements with team management. However, he reversed that decision and returned to Pakistan colours ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup after nearly four years away from international cricket. His most recent retirement in December 2024 now appears permanent given his contractual commitments in England. With the 2027 ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 21, Amir's contractual position ensures he will not be available for Pakistan selection in that tournament or any future international competition.
