After Pakistan all-rounder Imad Waism, left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir has followed in his footsteps by announcing a second retirement from international cricket. Amir, once one of the most promising fast bowlers that Pakistan has produced, announced his decision to retire via X along with a lengthy statement, stating that it was not an easy decision.
Amir made his debut in 2009 as a teenager and established himself as the next big thing to watch out for in international cricket. The left-arm speedster also played an integral role in Pakistan's T20 World Cup win in 2009, but got embroiled in the spot-fixing controversy a year later during the England tour. Although Amir returned to the international arena after a five-year ban, he struggled to find a consistent place in the side.
Amir, who returned to the side for the T20 World Cup 2024, after retiring in 2020, claimed that this is the right time to pass the baton to the future generation. He wrote on X:
"After careful consideration, I have taken the decision to retire from international cricket. These decisions are never easy but are inevitable. I feel this is the right time for the next generation to take the baton and elevate Pakistan Cricket to new heights! Representing my country has been and always will be the greatest honor of my life. I would sincerely like to thank the PCB, my family and friends and, above all, my fans for their continuous love and support."
Mohammad Amir tormented Team India in the Champions Trophy final
Since returning to international cricket from the five-year ban, Amir's best performance for Pakistan was during the Champions Trophy final in 2017. The 32-year-old accounted for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, grabbing figures of 6-0-16-3 as Pakistan beat India by 180 runs after amassing 338.
Overall, Amir played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20Is.
