Fast bowler Mohammad Amir has officially retired from international cricket, ending a rollercoaster career that included stunning highs and infamous lows. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the 32-year-old’s decision on Saturday, a day after teammate Imad Wasim also announced his retirement.
Amir, who began his international journey in 2009, was pivotal in Pakistan’s ICC T20 World Cup victory in 2009 and the Champions Trophy triumph in 2017. Over a career spanning 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, Amir took 271 international wickets and scored 1,179 runs.
“It has been a great honor to play for Pakistan across all three formats,” Amir said in his statement. “I feel this is the right time for the next generation to take the baton and elevate Pakistan cricket to new heights.”
This marks Amir’s second retirement from international cricket. In 2020, he stepped away citing “mental torture” by the PCB management, following allegations of spot-fixing during the 2010 Lord’s Test, which led to a five-year ban and a prison sentence. Despite these setbacks, Amir made a triumphant return to cricket, becoming a regular in franchise leagues worldwide.
Most recently, he featured in the Abu Dhabi T10 League and the Caribbean Premier League, showcasing his enduring skill and competitive spirit.
PCB COO Sumair Ahmad Syed acknowledged Amir’s contributions, stating, “Amir’s journey has been one of resilience and exceptional talent. We are grateful for his service to Pakistan cricket and wish him success in the next phase of his career.”
Amir’s retirement signals the end of an era for Pakistan cricket, with the veteran pacer now focusing solely on domestic and franchise cricket across the globe.
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