Mohammad Amir to play for English county Essex in 2017

Karachi [Pakistan], Nov.9 (ANI):Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir is all set to continue his career rehabilitation with Essex in 2017 after the English county announced his signing for the second half of the next season. Amir, who completed his five-year ban for spot-fixing last year, will join the Essex on June 19 after the completion of the Champions Trophy in England. Excited to be a part of the Essex family, the left-arm pacer said that he is looking forward to achieve success with the club in 2017. "I am very excited about becoming part of the Essex family. (Head coach) Chris Silverwood and (chairman) Ronnie Irani have both been very supportive over the summer. I'm hoping I can carry on Essex's success this season and achieve more for the club in 2017," Amir was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. Welcoming the Pakistan seamer to the club, Silverwood said that Amir had already proved himself at international level at a very young age. "We are thrilled that Amir has decided to join us for half of the 2017 campaign. He showed a real desire to be a part of the club and the fact we have him for two competitions is a real bonus," Silverwood said. The 24-year-old, who has notched up a total of 140 international wickets across all formats, will play for Essex in both the County Championship and domestic T20 Blast competition. Amir, along with fast bowler Mohammad Asif and former skipper Salman Butt, were found guilty of various offences of corrupt behaviour relating to the Lord's Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010 by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal in February 2011. Amir, however, made an impressive return to international cricket this year by taking 12 wickets in four Tests during Pakistan's tour of England.(ANI)