“These decisions are never easy” - After Imad Wasim, another 2017 Champions Trophy winner announces retirement
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir followed left-arm spinner Imad Wasim and announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday, December 14. The 32-year-old last played for Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.
Amir had previously retired from international cricket in December 2020 before reversing his decision to return for the T20 World Cup this year. However, Pakistan's first-round exit in the tournament has left the pacer out of favor since.
Amir took to his official X handle to announce the decision, posting:
"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."
He added:
"I would sincerely like to thank the PCB, my family and friends and, above all, my fans for their continuous love and support."
Amir started his career on the rampage before being arrested and subsequently banned for five years due to his involvement in spot-fixing in 2010.
His career highlight was helping Pakistan win the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy. Amir finishes his international career with 271 wickets across formats at an excellent average of 27.98 with five five-wicket hauls in 159 outings.
Mohammad Amir's Pakistan teammate Imad Wasim announced his retirement a day earlier
Mohammad Amir's retirement announcement came a day after his Pakistan teammate Imad Wasim retired from international cricket.
Imad played only the white-ball formats for Pakistan during his career, finishing with 117 wickets and 1,540 runs in 130 matches.
He said (as quoted by pcb.com.pk):
"It has been a great journey representing my country and the fulfilment of a huge dream. I would like to thank the fans for supporting me and the team throughout these years. I would also like to thank the PCB for all their support at each step and I wish great success to the national team and look forward to supporting Pakistan cricket from the other side of the ground."
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed thanked both players for their contributions by saying:
"On behalf of the PCB, I extend sincere gratitude to Amir and Imad for their services to Pakistan cricket and wish them the very best in their future endeavors."
Like Amir, Imad's final appearance for Pakistan came in their tumultuous 2024 T20 World Cup campaign.