Despite some opposition from rival teams, the ECB has authorised the Trent Rockets to recruit Mohammad Amir as a local player to replace the injured David Payne. In the men’s team, the fast bowler takes David Payne’s spot.
Payne is still recovering from an ankle injury, and the Rockets are wishing him well. The former Pakistani quick will now play in The Hundred as a domestic cricketer rather than an international recruit, which is a big change for him.
Amir enrolled as an overseas player for the March auction, but his reserve price of £75,000 was not met.
Since receiving British citizenship, he has qualified as a local player and has participated in four T20 Blast games for Nottinghamshire.
This surprising participation at Trent Bridge was made possible by his incredibly quick transition from abroad to domestic eligibility. Amir has a wealth of experience in both franchise and international cricket, especially in The Hundred, which he won in 2024 with Oval Invincibles (now MI London).
Why was this signing opposed by other franchises?Before Amir’s signing was finalised, there were concerns that he shouldn’t be permitted to play for the Hundred as a local because he registered as an overseas player, which prevented most teams that didn’t need injured replacements from signing him.
However, the ECB has authorised his contract, claiming that he should be allowed to play as a domestic player since he now meets the requirements. The decision sets an unsettling precedent whereby this method is only available to teams that have suffered injuries.
What effect will Amir have on the campaign for The Hundred?
Over the course of his career, the 34-year-old has claimed over 800 wickets and has been recorded bowling at nearly 95 mph. He is a useful addition to the Rockets’ offensive as they strive for yet another successful season because of his speed and proficiency in death bowling.
This season, the Rockets will have the option to select four foreign players in addition to Amir. The Hundred will take place from July 21 to August 16. Amir will have just five days from now to acclimate to the team before the Trent Rockets’ first home game, which is scheduled for Sunday, July 26 at Trent Bridge.
The Hundred 2026 Trent Rockets roster:
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
