In a move that should settle nerves within Pakistan’s cricketing circles, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have officially signed with the Northern Superchargers for the 2025 edition of The Hundred, becoming the first Pakistani players confirmed for this year’s tournament.
No Pakistani player was picked during this year’s draft, raising concerns about the fact that four of the eight men’s franchises in The Hundred are now backed by Indian investors, with two more run by Indian-American consortiums. In a cricket landscape where Indian influence often coincides with geopolitical sensitivities, the absence of any Pakistani signings during the March draft raised eyebrows.
However, with Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir landing deals with the Superchargers, those fears have eased a bit. The pair come in as late replacements for their team, with Amir filling in for Australia’s Ben Dwarshuis for the full season, and Imad stepping in for New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner for a short stint from August 7 to 10.
While off-field factors may have stirred unease, there were also more practical reasons behind the absence of Pakistanis in the initial lineups of The Hundred. The national team’s busy white-ball schedule—including a T20I tour of the West Indies and a tri-nation series in the UAE—meant that availability was a genuine concern. Pakistan’s inconsistent T20 form and late player withdrawals last season further reduced their stock in the eyes of franchises.
Now, with the Superchargers making room for Amir and Imad, that narrative may be beginning to shift.
For the Northern Superchargers, the arrivals of Amir and Imad inject experience and quality into their squad. Both players bring a wealth of franchise cricket knowledge, including The Hundred itself, and remain active in global franchise leagues despite stepping away from international duty.
Amir and Imad’s late inclusion could open the door for more Pakistani players in future Hundred editions, especially if availability aligns. While there is still reason to monitor how off-field dynamics evolve under the tournament’s new commercial framework, this developments is a reminder that talent and timing still carry weight.
And for Pakistani fans, it’s a welcome sight to see two of the country’s most recognizable short-format stars back on the big stage in England—not just as token signings, but as trusted performers.
