The 26-year-old was a vital cog of the Essex attack in 2017: with 14 wickets in just three games, he was one of the driving forces in their victorious County Championship campaign. He also claimed 14 scalps in the T20 Blast, and was just one wicket behind Paul Walter – the leading wicket-taker in the tournament that year.

“I’m very excited to return to Chelmsford and rejoin my Essex teammates,” Amir told the club’s official website. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time here in 2017 and I’m looking forward to playing my role in the club’s success this season.”

#FlashbackFriday to @iamamirofficial in the 2017 NatWest T20 Blast 🤩🔥 pic.twitter.com/K4jGcaiYIg

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) February 8, 2019

The pacer will be available for selection in eight games for Essex this season, including their opening fixture against Middlesex at Lord’s in July. The last time he ran in at this venue was in the first Test against England in May 2018, when he claimed five wickets to propel Pakistan to a historic victory.

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“Mo is one of the most exciting bowling talents in the world, and I’m ecstatic he’s going to be back with us,” Anthony McGrath, the Essex head coach, said.

“He has the ability to bowl at a fast pace whilst swinging the ball both ways and showed a real desire to come back to Chelmsford and be an Eagle again.

Who's got that #FridayFeeling? We know @iamamirofficial has… 👋🦅 pic.twitter.com/uYcsA4LsIj

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) February 8, 2019

“Everyone has seen how devastating he can be with the ball and the talent he has, so I think alongside our other overseas player, Adam Zampa, we’re going to have one of the most dangerous bowling attacks in the Blast this year.”

The pacer is eligible for selection till the clash against Glamorgan on August 16, after which he will likely leave for the Caribbean Premier League. Amir has added his name to the CPL first draft, which is set to be held in London on March 1.