The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed on Saturday that fast bowler Mohammad Amir has declared his retirement from international cricket, one day after white-ball spinning all-rounder Imad Wasim did the same.
The two, who retracted their retirement from the game earlier this year, were chosen to play in the ICC T20 World Cup, where the Green Team lost in their first-ever elimination due to a poor showing.
The 32-year-old bowler started his international career in June 2009 and played in 36 Test matches, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, the PCB said in a news release today.
The PCB stated that Amir had amassed 1,179 runs in all three forms and had claimed 271 international wickets.
According to the announcement, Amir, who played a key role in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2017 ICC winning team, said it was an honor to represent his country in all three formats.
In 2020, the seasoned pacer declared his retirement, claiming that the PCB management was “mentally torturing” him.
Amir was alluding to the notorious incident in 2010 when he was charged with spot-fixing after intentionally bowling two no-balls in exchange for money as part of a betting scheme during the Lord’s Test match against England.
After being questioned by Scotland Yard, the cricket player entered a guilty plea alongside teammates Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif. In November 2011, he was found guilty and given a five-year playing suspension.
Amir was cited by the PCB as stating, “I know this is a difficult decision, but I feel this is the right time for the next generation to take the baton and elevate Pakistan cricket to new heights.”
“I am grateful to the PCB for providing invaluable support over the years, and I am excited to see the team succeed,” he stated.
He continued, “I also want to thank Pakistani fans for their unwavering support throughout my career.”
Wasim, 35, described playing for Pakistan as “a great journey” and the “fulfillment of a huge dream” in comments cited by the PCB.
Wasim added, “I wish the national team great success and look forward to supporting Pakistan cricket from the other side of the ground. I would also like to thank the PCB for all their support at every step.”
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed wished Amir and Imad luck in their future endeavors and expressed his “sincere gratitude to them for their services.”
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