Mohammad Amir‘s impressive start to life with Trent Rockets in The Hundred has once again highlighted his enduring value in franchise cricket, while also bringing renewed attention to a development that could have significant implications for the Pakistan Super League.
The former Pakistan fast bowler played a decisive role in Trent Rockets’ five-run victory over Sunrisers Leeds after the opposition had reduced the target to 35 runs from the final 20 deliveries. Bowling 10 consecutive balls across two sets of five, Amir removed Harry Brook and Mitchell Marsh during the closing stages, finished with figures of 2-20 and helped turn the equation into 25 runs required from the last 10 deliveries as Trent Rockets closed out the win.
While the performance reinforced his credentials in franchise cricket, it also underscored a significant change away from the field. After obtaining British citizenship, Amir is expected to occupy an overseas player slot when he next features in the Pakistan Super League despite previously playing as a local player.
Hundred opportunity highlights changing eligibility
The change marks a significant shift for a player who previously competed in the PSL as a local cricketer. His eligibility in England no longer occupies an overseas slot, but franchises in Pakistan are instead expected to use one of their foreign-player positions if they want to include him in their squad.
Speaking on the Wisden The Scoop podcast, Amir was asked whether he ever missed red-ball cricket, effectively a reference to his experience of the English county season, and he outlined how the change could affect his plans.
“Might be next season because I’m going to be overseas in PSL. If I didn’t get picked, so might be early season, first three, four games, tempo games I will play. I love bowling with the Duke,” Amir said.
— cc (@awreow) August 3, 2026
Contract situation remains unresolved
Amir was signed by Rawalpindiz during the PSL 2026 player auction, with contracts awarded before that season covering both the 2026 and 2027 editions of the competition.
That leaves uncertainty over how his existing agreement will be treated if he is officially reclassified as an overseas player. The Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to clarify whether Rawalpindiz can retain him under the current contract, whether the agreement would need to be revised or whether he would simply occupy one of the franchise’s overseas positions.
The issue carries wider squad-building implications because PSL regulations limit the number of overseas players each franchise can include in both its squad and playing XI. Any decision on Amir’s classification could therefore influence retention strategies and recruitment plans ahead of the 2027 season.
Although reports have suggested the 2027 campaign could be Amir’s final appearance in the PSL, there has been no official confirmation from the player, the Pakistan Cricket Board or Rawalpindiz. What is confirmed is that his British citizenship has changed how he is classified across different competitions, with the PSL now expected to treat him as an overseas player.
