Mohammad Amir, an experienced bowler for Pakistan, declared his intention to retire from international cricket on Saturday, one day after Imad Wasim made the same announcement.
After “careful consideration,” the 32-year-old seamen announced his “inevitable” decision on social media. Amir believed that this was the ideal moment to elevate Pakistani cricket by passing the torch on to the next generation.
“I have made the tough decision to retire from international cricket after giving it considerable thought. These choices are unavoidable but never simple. I believe that this is the ideal moment for the following generation to step up and lead Pakistan Cricket to greater heights! On X, Amir wrote.
“Representing my country has been and always will be the greatest honour of my life. I would sincerely like to thank the PCB, my family and friends and, above all, my fans for their continuous love and support,” he concluded.
In 2021, Amir announced his retirement from all international cricket competitions; however, he later changed his mind this year. He changed his mind and declared himself eligible to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Controversies plagued the seasoned quick’s career, particularly after he was suspended for five years between 2010 and 2015 on suspicion of spot-fixing.
Amir participated in 36 Test matches, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is during his career. Amir took 119 wickets at an average of 30.47 in red-ball cricket. The left-armer took 81 wickets at an average of 29.62 in the 50-over format.
Amir obtained 71 wickets at an average of 21.94 in cricket’s shortest format. In 159 games across all formats, Amir took 271 international wickets in total.
During Men in Green’s penultimate group stage match against Ireland in the T20 World Cup, Amir made his farewell appearance for Pakistan. He took seven wickets in four games before the competition finished.
Interestingly, Imad Wasim, Amir’s countryman, also gave up playing cricket for his country before Amir did. “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket,” Imad posted on social media as he said goodbye to the sport.
“While this chapter comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my journey in cricket through domestic and franchise cricket, and I hope to keep entertaining you all in new ways,” he added.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed thanked the duo for their services.
“On behalf of the PCB, I extend sincere gratitude to Amir and Imad for their services to Pakistan cricket and wish them the very best in their future endeavors,” Syed said in a press release issued by the board.