He will return to the Pakistan national side for the forthcoming T20 series against New Zealand, followed by the T20 World Cup.
He will thus only be available to Derbyshire for the last half dozen group stage games in The Blast, which is a bitter blow to Mickey Arthur. I feel sorry for the Derbyshire Head of Cricket, because he made his plans early and was entitled to think he had played a blinder in the signing of Amir. While accepting the player has the right to do is he chooses with his career and his life, it is very disappointing that this has happened at such a late stage.
That being the case, all we can do is hope that the contacts book has been well and truly riffled since the news broke. Arthur said that he had already had 'good conversations' with other options and it will be interesting to see how he goes about this. Does he go for a like for like in the county championship, picking up another seamer, before mixing it up for the Blast with a player who has all round talents? Or can he find someone who is available and sufficiently skilled for both formats?
I suppose one way of looking at it is that he will be able to sign people, at this late stage, who will have an idea that they will not be going to the World Cup. To take Pakistan as an example, if they are taking Amir and Imad Wasim to the World Cup, two good players will now miss out.
So it promises to be a busy couple of weeks on the news front. I would expect the story to break about our supposed loan spin signing in the next few days, while Arthur will move quickly to fill the other overseas spot.
Life is never simple, eh? Anyone any thoughts on who might be a good option for us?
Really bad news for Derbyshire. Hopefully we get a more than adequate replacement and someone more committed to the county. If I was MA I’d tell Amir to forget the last 6 matches for two reasons-
ReplyDelete1. He will be coming off the back of test cricket and the T20 World Cup so will be physically and mentally shot especially if Pakistan go far in tournament so coming to a domestic tournament will be a come down.
2. If we get a good t20 replacement how do you tell the guy, sorry that’s your lot we are now reverting to a guy who wasn’t bothered about coming earlier?
Crikey we don’t have much luck with our overseas recruitment ( or should we have seen this one as a potential outcome ? )
Paul
Test cricket? The series against New Zealand is T20's.
DeleteWhat's happened to his application for British Citizenship? Surly he can't be granted citizenship and be representing Pakistan at the same time, I personally never thought he would he play much cricket for Derbyshire I hope I am wrong ,but I think Derbyshire need to move on and find somebody else
DeleteSo we've gone from (talk of admittedly) Amir being available as a local player all season to Amir being available for the first half of the season including the Championship to Amir being here for the Blast only and now to Amir here for 6 Blast games.
ReplyDeleteI'd just call it quits now (I don't expect to see Amir playing for Derbyshire in anycase now personally - what's the poijt in travelling half way across the world for 6 games) and look for someone who can commit to more cricket with us in the first half of the season and actually make a difference. Plenty of players out there.
I may be in the minority with this comment. The deal that was originally signed was exciting and a major scoop for Derbyshire. Then over the winter we heard that won’t playing in all a championship matches first half season. That wasn’t surprising with amount red ball he played over last few years. It’s now been watered down to 6 games. I personally feel this year is it worth? He would played lot of cricket and after World Cup fatigue. I would like us to use the money and invest in having women’s team. As sure large part counties thinking of costing of this project. I think county need to be thinking about long term. I am confident the Amir deal wasn’t cheap for us to pull off originally.
ReplyDeleteEvery time a major overseas signing is made, it seems to fall apart at the last minute, doubling the blow by ensuring that the pool of possibles is vastly reduced - the cream has already been largely skimmed off. What's the point of a contract, or perhaps these days exit clauses abound " just in case" ?
ReplyDeleteOnce again, not a good look.
I notice The Cricketer magazine predicts 5th place in the CC this season, citing a lack of depth of seamers, given Aitchison's recovery management and Brown's lack of CC bowling in recent years. Minus Amir, none has an average of less than 30, except Reece at 29.9. Figures don't determine everything in cricket, but it's easy to see where the pessimism comes from.
What a start to the season, thought it was too good to be true watching Amir in a Derbyshire shirt. He was the one I was really looking forward to seeing in action. Put a dampner on the new season for me
ReplyDeleteWhen Amir actually came to the county ground last year, I thought it might be the real deal. 7 months later, we now no longer have him, at 2 weeks notice. A good overseas or 2 is vital to our chances. Kris
ReplyDeleteWell, talk about a weekend of two halves. Firstly, the super Spireites get promoted, and then Derbyshire's T20 hopes suffer a massive blow.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what MA's plan will be. As already stated, it might be worth forgetting about the 6 game cameo and going for someone who could play throughout. I am also a little puzzled about this talk of signing a spinner on loan.
I’d knock it on the head and move for another player …6 games of T20 is not what we want from an overseas signing …if Zaman Khan is excluded from the squad I’d get him back
ReplyDeleteDisappointing. I think we should forget about Amir now and look for someone who play all of the campaign. I'd take Zaman Khan again. He was superb last season.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the view that the Club should now seek an alternative. You cannot fit around one player who , for whatever reason cannot commit to full engagement. I look forward to announcements very shortly.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the Spireites gain promotion back to the EFL, l am still on a high despite this frustrating news from the other club l support. We certainly don’t seem to have much luck with overseas recruiting but like others would welcome back Zaman Khan if available. Although it isn’t always possible, l would prefer an overseas signing for the whole season, not a fan of players flying in for a handful of games.
ReplyDeleteNudger
Anyone remember that kids show Jackanory, I always use to say not another Bl _ _ _ _ story.Well that's this saga another player disrespecting his contact.
ReplyDeleteAnd as usual the Coach saying oh we understand its quiet alright that you have no respect for our club or its supporters
Well if Amir dares to show his face then Iwon't boo because I'm 100% Derbyshire but I won't acknowledge him whatever he accomplishes on the field. Wickets or runs or fielding, its the silent treatment from me.
What other way have I got to register my protest.? I've,had a,belly fully of players doing as they please when they made a commitment. I'm old school you shake hands on something then you honour it come hell or high water.