Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir has announced his retirement from international cricket, following all-rounder Imad Wasim’s decision to step away from the sport a day earlier. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Amir’s retirement on Thursday, marking the end of a notable career spanning over a decade.
Amir, 32, returned to the international scene earlier this year after a nearly four-year hiatus to participate in the T20 World Cup 2024. Since his debut in June 2009, the left-arm pacer has played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, amassing 271 wickets and scoring 1,179 runs across all formats.
In a statement, Amir expressed gratitude for his time with the national team. “It has been a great honor to play for Pakistan across all three formats. While this decision is difficult, I believe it’s the right time to make way for the next generation to take Pakistan cricket to new heights,” he said. Amir also thanked the PCB for its support and acknowledged the unwavering enthusiasm of Pakistani fans.
Amir’s announcement followed Imad Wasim’s public declaration of retirement on Wednesday. Both players were instrumental in some of Pakistan’s most memorable cricketing moments, including the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup victory and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy triumph.
The PCB recognized Amir and Wasim as “key members” of Pakistan cricket who also contributed significantly during their stints with the U-19 team.
Despite a career marked by highs, Amir faced controversy early on. Once heralded as one of cricket’s brightest talents, his career took a dramatic turn in 2010 when he was implicated in a spot-fixing scandal during a Test match in England. This led to a five-year ban from cricket and a six-month jail term in the UK.
Amir returned to the national side after serving his sentence and demonstrated his class, particularly during Pakistan’s Champions Trophy win in 2017. His pivotal performances reaffirmed his place as a world-class bowler.
Both Amir and Wasim leave behind legacies of resilience and excellence, with their contributions etched in Pakistan cricket history.
