Kent have completed the signing of former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir for the second half of the 2021 Vitality Blast.

The left-arm paceman has been described by the club as “one of the world’s premier limited overs bowlers” and played 147 international matches for Pakistan – including 50 T20 internationals – before retiring from all forms of international cricket in 2020.

The 29-year-old won both the T20 World Cup (2009) and ICC Champions Trophy (2017) with his country and boasts an IT20 bowling average of just 21.40. In all career T20 matches, Amir has taken 220 wickets from 190 games at an average of 22.50 and has won the Pakistan Super League and the Vitality Blast previously.

His Blast win came in 2019 when playing for Kent’s rivals Essex, but this summer he will be wearing the colours of the other side of the bridge, and his first match for Kent could be against his old side on June 25.

He will be available for up to seven group stage matches for Kent this year, with an option to play in the knockout rounds if the Spitfires qualify. His exact arrival date will depend on Karachi King’s progression in this year’s Pakistan Super League and mandatory quarantine upon his arrival in the UK.

Amir drew huge criticism as a teenager when he was sentenced to six months in a Young Offender Institute and received a significant ban from cricket for spot-fixing during Pakistan’s 2010 tour of England. Since then, however, he has rebuilt his career and reputation as one of the world’s most deadly fast bowlers.

Upon signing for the Spitfires, Amir said: “I am excited to join a Kent team full of potential.

“I have always enjoyed playing at Canterbury, and I hope I will be able to help Kent win a trophy this year.”

Kent Director of Cricket Paul Downton added: “We are delighted that a player of Amir’s quality has agreed to join us for the later stages of the Vitality Blast this year.

“His skill and experience will be an invaluable addition to our bowling attack, and I am sure our members and supporters will share our enthusiasm in welcoming Amir to the club.”