The Pakistan left-arm seamer, Mohammad Amir, has returned to Essex for the Vitality Blast this season.

Amir, who announced his international retirement in December 2024, has played for the club for the last three seasons, from 2017, claiming 24 wickets in 21 games, including a 10-wicket haul at 20.10 in 2019.

For Pakistan, he has claimed 71 wickets at 21.64 in 62 T20Is up to and including the 2024 T20 World Cup in June last year. He will arrive at Chelmsford having represented Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, for whom he has taken seven wickets in six matches.

“I am very excited to join Essex once again,” Mohammad Amir said. “I have always enjoyed my time at this club where I feel at home and the love I received from the team and the amazing supporters was overwhelming.

“I look forward to contributing to the team and hopefully help the club achieve success this season.”

Meanwhile Essex’s director of cricket Chris Silverwood who was instrumental in the signing of Amir as the club head coach in 2017, has said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mo back to Chelmsford and are very excited to see him in Essex colours again.

“I know the experience and skillset he brings having worked with him with here before. He will certainly strengthen what is an already strong squad for our T20 Blast campaign this season.”

Mohammad Amir will play for Essex throughout the group stage of the Vitality Blast, with the possibility of extending his stay if the team advances to the knockout rounds. He will wear the numer 5 shirt for the Eagles this season.