Team Pakistan in action
Team Pakistan in action

On Saturday, a day after Imad Wasim announced his intention to re-retire from international cricket, Pakistan’s seasoned bowler Mohammad Amir also declared his retirement. The 32-year-old seamer resorted to social media to declare his “inevitable” choice following “careful consideration.” Amir believes that it is the moment to deliver the baton to the next generation in order to enhance Pakistani cricket.  These decisions are never simple but are unavoidable. I believe it is the time for the next generation to seize the mantle and propel Pakistan cricket to new heights.” Amir wrote about X.

Representing my country has been and will continue to be my greatest honor in life. I’d want to respectfully thank the PCB, my family and friends, and, most importantly, my fans for their ongoing love and support,” he said.

Amir withdrew from all forms of international cricket in 2021, but he reconsidered his decision earlier this year. He reversed his decision and declared himself available for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The veteran quick’s career was marked by controversy, particularly when he was suspended for five years between 2010 and 2015 on spot-fixing charges. Amir appeared in 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals, and 62 Twenty20 Internationals. In red-ball cricket, Amir claimed 119 wickets at an average of 30.47.

In the shortest format of cricket, Amir took 71 wickets while averaging 21.94. Overall, Amir took 271 international wickets in 159 matches across all forms. Amir made his final appearance for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, playing against Ireland in the group stage final. He finished the competition with seven wickets from four matches.

Notably, before Amir, his compatriot Imad Wasim had resigned from international cricket. Imad used social media to bid farewell to international cricket, writing, “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket.”