"Another Pakistani cricketer retiring for 100th time" - Fans react as Mohammad Amir announces retirement from international cricket, again
Pakistan's left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday, December 14. This is the second time that the 32-year-old bowler has decided to hang up his boots.
Amir had initially retired from international cricket in 2020. However, he made a comeback into the national team earlier this year after being picked for the Men in Green's five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
The fast bowler was also part of Pakistan's 2024 T20 World Cup squad. Amir picked up seven wickets from four outings at the showpiece event. He was left out of the side following their embarrassing group-stage exit.
Several fans took to social media to react to Amir's retirement announcement. Here are some of the top reactions:
Many fans trolled Amir, suggesting that there was a possibility that he could reverse his retirement yet again.
"Will be back in 2025 guys. Everytime he does this. Don't worry," wrote a fan.
"Come back in champions trophy soon," joked another.
"Really ? Is it Confirmed? Make sure you'll not take Retirement back again?" chimed in yet another.
Mohammad Amir's career was marred by multiple controversies, with the biggest one being the spot-fixing scandal of 2010. He was banned for five years for bowling two deliberate no-balls during a Test match against England.
The pacer served his ban and returned to international cricket in 2016. He stole the show with his bowling exploits in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, claiming the wickets of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.
Amir played 62 T20Is, 61 ODIs and 36 Tests, claiming 271 wickets across formats.
"These decisions are never easy" - Mohammad Amir on his retirement
Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket through a social media post. He thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), fans and his family for their constant backing.
The seamer opined that this was the ideal time for him to hand over the baton to Pakistan's youngsters. Amir posted on microblogging platform 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."
It is worth mentioning that apart from Mohammad Amir, Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim also announced his retirement from international cricket recently.