New Delhi: Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday. This is the second time Amir has taken this decision. Amir returned from retirement in March this year and was given a chance to join the team from the New Zealand series after a gap of three years and eight months. Amir was part of the Pakistan team for this year’s T20 World Cup.
Amir took seven wickets in four matches of the T20 World Cup played in America and West Indies. However, Pakistan’s journey came to an end in the group stage itself. Amir could not play for Pakistan after June and he announced his retirement through social media. The fast bowler admitted that it was not easy for him to take this decision, but he feels that this is the right time to give a chance to the next generation.
Amir, who was only 19 back in 2010, had deliberately over-stepped along with fellow pacer Mohammed Asif at the behest of former skipper Salman Butt and they were all caught in a ‘News of the World’ expose. All three were briefly jailed in the UK, where fixing is a crime but were later released.
The ICC banned them for five years between 2010 to 2015. Only Amir made a successful return to international cricket and was the hero of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph over India in 2017 in the UK.
Announced through social media post:
Amir said through a social media post, after much thought, I have taken the difficult decision to retire from international cricket. These decisions are never easy but inevitable. I feel this is the right time for the next generation to take charge and take Pakistan cricket to new heights. Representing my country has been the greatest honor of my life. I thank the Pakistan Cricket Board, my family and fans who constantly loved and supported me.
Announcement of my retirement from international cricket . pic.twitter.com/CsPfOTGY6O
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) December 14, 2024
How was Amir’s career?
Amir took a total of 271 wickets in his career. He made his debut in 2009. Amir has taken 119 wickets in 36 Test matches, 81 wickets in 61 ODI matches and 71 wickets in 62 matches. Amir was part of the Pakistan team that won the T20 World Cup in 2009. However, his career was affected due to being involved in fixing cases in England in 2010.
