Mohammad Amir’s Trent Rockets Deal Approved by ECB

Despite some opposition from rival teams, the ECB has authorised the Trent Rockets’ acquisition of Mohammad Amir as a local player to replace the injured David Payne. In the men’s squad, 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 participate in The Hundred as a domestic cricketer rather than an international recruit, which is a big change for him.

Amir enrolled as an international 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 matches for Nottinghamshire.

This surprising participation at Trent Bridge was made possible by his unusually quick transition from abroad to domestic eligibility. Amir has a wealth of experience in both international and franchise cricket, especially in The Hundred, which he won in 2024 with Oval Invincibles (now MI London).

What made other teams object to this signing?

Before Amir’s contract was officially confirmed, 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 accepted his contract, claiming that he should be eligible to play as a domestic player since he now meets the requirements. The decision sets an unsettling precedent in which this option is only available to teams that have suffered injuries.

How will Amir affect the campaign for The Hundred?

Over the course of his career, the 34-year-old has taken over 800 wickets and was previously recorded bowling at nearly 95 mph. He is a useful addition to the Rockets’ offensive as they strive for another successful season because of his speed and proficiency in death bowling. This season, the Rockets will be allowed to choose four foreign players in addition to Amir.

The Hundred is set to take place between July 21 and August 16. Amir has 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 roster for the Trent Rockets: