Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir announced his decision to withdraw from the test cricket on Friday, July 26th.
The 27-year-old released a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board in which he expressed his desire to focus on white-ball cricket. He will continue to vote for one-day and twenty-fold international matches and said his immediate goal is to be in “the best of shape” for the next year’s I2020 T20 World Cup in Australia.
“It was an honor to represent Pakistan at its peak and in the traditional format of the game. However, I have decided to deviate from the longer version so I can concentrate on cricket with white balls, “he said in the statement.
To me Mohammad Amir retiring from Test cricket is a bit surprising because you peak at 27-28 and Test cricket is where you are judged against the best, it’s the ultimate format. Pakistan will need him in two Tests in Australia and then three in England.
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) July 26, 2019
“Playing for Pakistan remains my ultimate wish and goal, and I will do my best to be in great shape to help with the team’s upcoming challenges, including next year’s ICC T20 World Championship.”
Amir has played 36 tests since making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2009, playing 119 wickets at 30.47. However, he missed much of the last decade after being banned for five years for his part in the 2011 Lord’s Fixing Scandal.
He returned in 2016 to continue his career. This was the highlight of his time since he helped the team win the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
Wasim Khan, the PCB CEO, praised Amir for turning him into a better cricketer and better person from these difficult times. “Amir has been one of the most exciting and talented left-arm fast bowlers in test cricket lately,” Wasim said. “As a young cricketer, he overcame misery and returned stronger not only as a cricketer, but also as a better person.
Thank you PCB, our PM @ImranKhanPTI @wasimakramlive bhi @SAfridiOfficial bhi @waqyounis99 & @yousaf1788. Thank you and my fans for always supporting me and I hope you all will support my this decision also.see video link https://t.co/BbAYzPbncl
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) July 26, 2019
“His skills on the field and his personality will be missing in the locker room in the longer format. However, we respect his decision and look forward to continuing to play an important role in white ball cricket for Pakistan. “
However, Amir felt it was the right time to push his test career as the ICC Test World Championship kicks off next month and awaits Pakistan’s growing pipeline of young, promising pacemakers.
“As the ICC World Test Championship is about to begin and Pakistan has some very exciting young fast bowlers, it’s wise that I use my time in the test cricket to plan the selection accordingly,” he said.
“I want to thank all my teammates and the opponents in the Red Ball cricket. It was a privilege to play with and against them. I am sure that our paths in Cricket will continue to cross with a limited number of players as we all play with the same strength and determination and compete against each other. “
