ECB approves Mohammad Amir's Trent Rockets signing as local player despite franchise objections

The ECB has approved Trent Rockets' signing of Mohammad Amir as a replacement for the injured David Payne as a local player, despite some disquiet from other franchises. The fast bowler replaces David Payne in the men's squad, with Payne continuing his recovery from an ankle injury and the Rockets wishing him the best in his ongoing recovery. The decision marks a significant shift for the former Pakistan speedster, who will now compete in The Hundred as a domestic cricketer rather than an overseas recruit.

Amir registered for March's auction as an overseas player and went unsold at his £75,000 reserve price. He has since qualified as a local player after he was granted British citizenship, and has played four games for Nottinghamshire in the T20 Blast under that status. His transformation from overseas to domestic eligibility happened remarkably fast, opening the door to this unexpected inclusion at Trent Bridge. Amir brings extensive experience across international and franchise cricket, particularly in The Hundred, having previously won the competition with Oval Invincibles (now MI London) in 2024.

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Objections were raised before Amir's signing was confirmed that he should not be allowed to play as a local for the Hundred having registered as an overseas player, since most teams that did not require injury replacements were effectively unable to sign him on that basis. But the ECB has approved his signing, arguing that since he now qualifies as a domestic player, he should be able to play as one. The ruling creates an awkward precedent where only injury-hit franchises can benefit from this pathway.

The 34-year-old has taken more than 800 wickets across his career and has previously been clocked bowling at close to 95mph. His pace and death bowling expertise make him a valuable addition to the Rockets' attack as they push for another strong campaign. The Rockets will be able to select Amir in addition to four overseas players this year. The Hundred is scheduled to run from 21 July to 16 August. Trent Rockets' first home matchday takes place on Sunday 26 July at Trent Bridge, giving Amir just five days from today to integrate with the squad before the Rockets' opening home fixture.

Sam Billings (C), Tom Banton, Danny Briggs, Brad Currie, Aneurin Donald, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Louis Kimber, Dan Mousley, Craig Overton, Ben Raine, Ben Sanderson, Finn Allen, Tim David, Matt Henry, Mohammad Amir, Mitchell Santner