Mohammad Amir Retires from International Cricket Following Imad Wasim’s Exit

In a surprising turn of events, another key player from Pakistan’s cricket team has announced his retirement from international cricket. Following all-rounder Imad Wasim, fast bowler Mohammad Amir has officially bid farewell to international cricket.

Both players were part of Pakistan’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, held in the USA and the West Indies. Their retirement marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s cricket landscape as the team prepares for the future without two of its experienced campaigners.

Mohammad Amir’s Statement

While announcing his retirement, Amir stated, “It has been an honor to represent Pakistan in all three formats of the game.” His statement reflects pride in his career, which had its fair share of highs and lows. Despite the challenges, Amir’s talent and dedication to the game were evident throughout his journey.

Mohammad Amir’s Career Stats

• Debut: June 2009
• Formats Played: Test, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is)
• Matches Played: 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, 62 T20Is
• Wickets Taken: 271 (across all formats)
• Runs Scored: 1179 (across all formats)
• Major Achievements: Part of the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup-winning squad

Amir made his debut for Pakistan in 2009 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising fast bowlers in the world. His raw pace, ability to swing the ball both ways, and composure under pressure earned him widespread recognition.

A Career of Highs and Lows

Amir’s career has been a rollercoaster ride. He played a key role in Pakistan’s victory at the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup, where his pace and swing made him a formidable opponent. However, his career faced a major setback in 2010 due to a spot-fixing scandal that led to a five-year ban from cricket.

Amir made a strong comeback in 2016, proving his mettle in international cricket once again. His memorable performance in the final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy against India remains one of the most iconic moments of his career, where he dismissed key Indian batsmen early in the innings, setting the stage for Pakistan’s historic win.

What’s Next for Mohammad Amir?

Although he is stepping away from international cricket, it is expected that Amir will continue to play in domestic leagues and franchise cricket worldwide. He has been a prominent figure in T20 leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other international leagues, where his experience and skills remain in high demand.

Fans and Experts React

Cricket fans and experts have shared mixed reactions to Amir’s retirement. Some have praised his contribution to Pakistan cricket, while others have expressed disappointment at his decision to step away at a relatively young age. At 32 years old, many believe he still had plenty to offer on the international stage.

Conclusion

Mohammad Amir’s retirement signals the end of an era for Pakistan cricket. His journey from a young prodigy to one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world will be remembered by fans for years to come. With Imad Wasim also retiring, Pakistan cricket faces the challenge of filling the void left by two experienced players. Fans will now look forward to seeing Amir’s performances in franchise cricket around the world.