In a surprising turn of events, the Director of Men’s Cricket at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohammad Hafeez, announced that the former Pakistani pace prodigy, Mohammad Amir, has left the stage of international cricket for good. Hafeez shared this development with members of the media during a press conference held on Tuesday, November 28.
The cricketing world has followed Amir’s tumultuous career, which soared with his prodigious talent but dipped amidst controversy. His journey saw a dramatic pause following a ban due to spot-fixing allegations, only for Amir to return to the international scene with renewed vigor. Despite the ups and downs, the 31-year-old speedster has created lasting memories for cricket enthusiasts around the globe.
During the press conference, Hafeez revealed the conversations that transpired between him and Amir regarding a possible comeback. “I personally called Mohammad Amir and told him that if he wants to play for Pakistan, he is free to take back his retirement and get back in the system. If he performs in domestic cricket, he will be considered purely on the basis of merit,” said Hafeez, reflecting PCB’s commitment to a performance-based selection process. However, Amir’s response was of finality, as he expressed to Hafeez that his days of playing at an international level are over and that “he has moved on.”
Hafeez emphasized the importance of domestic performance for national selection and indicated that similar conversations had been held with other players, underscoring the uniformity in PCB’s stance. “I reached out to a few other players as well but my demand was the same — that they perform in domestic cricket. At the end, you have to respect the player’s decision,” he added, noting the respect for individual player’s career choices.
Amir, who became an integral part of Pakistan’s bowling attack, had impressive numbers to show for his international career. In the Test arena, he played 36 matches and secured 119 wickets at an average of 30.47, along with six four-wicket hauls and four five-wicket hauls that remain a testament to his skill.
When it came to One Day Internationals (ODIs), Amir notched up 81 wickets in 61 games with an average of 29.62, showcasing his ability to be a threat in the limited-overs format as well. Additionally, his T20 prowess was evident in his stats, playing 50 games and taking 59 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 7.02. His retirement from ODIs and T20Is was initially announced back in 2020, with his departure from Test cricket a year earlier in 2019.
The loss of Amir from the cricketing roster will leave a notable gap in Pakistan’s bowling lineup, as his experience and skill were valuable assets. However, PCB and Hafeez seem resolute in moving forward by investing in new talent and ensuring that the national team remains competitive on the world stage.
While the press conference focused on Amir’s retirement, the world of cricket continues to move swiftly, with other matches like Bangladesh versus New Zealand and the latest scores from the India versus Australia T20I series capturing headlines.
As we reflect on Mohammad Amir’s career and his decision to close the international chapter, it’s evident that his legacy is a complex tapestry of exceptional talent, tribulations, and a remarkable comeback. Now, with his retirement confirmed by PCB’s director, Amir embarks on a new chapter, away from the international limelight but forever etched in the annals of Pakistan cricket history.