Mohammad Amir, the Pakistan fast bowler, announced his decision to retire from Test cricket with immediate effect on Friday. Citing his desire to concentrate on white-ball cricket, the 27-year-old released a statement through the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He will continue to be available for selection in ODIs and T20Is, and said his immediate goal was to be in the “best physical shape” for next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia. However, Amir’s decision to bid adieu to the longest format of the game at a young age did not sit well with former Pakistan speedsters Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram.
Akhtar said that Pakistan cricket invested in Amir after his comeback from spot-fixing ban and it was time for the pacer to pay back.
“I am thoroughly disappointed that Amir has retired at the age where players are at the peak of their careers. It was time for Amir to pay back Pakistan. In a time where Pakistan’s run in Test matches is so poor, Amir was needed to deliver for his side and help them win some series. I had helped Pakistan win series in England and New Zealand despite knee injuries,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.
“If I were part of the Pakistan selection board, I would have not allowed these boys to play T20s. There are times when you should make money but this is the time when Pakistan needs you.
“I request the board to look into the matter. Amir is just 27 and his retirement shows us the mentality of the players. I think this is the time for Pakistan PM Imran Khan to look into the matter to bring dynamic and energetic people.”
“All these players just want to be the T20 bowlers. This is the fact. Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, all these players want to play only in the T20s. Playing in the ODIs also seems to be a huge task for them,” the former Pakistan pacer added.
On the other hand, Wasim Akram took to Twitter to express his disappointment at Mohammad Amir’s decision.
“To me Mohammad Amir retiring from Test cricket is a bit surprising because you peak at 27-28 and Test cricket is where you are judged against the best, it’s the ultimate format,” Akram tweeted on Saturday.
Amir played only 36 Tests, taking 119 wickets at an average of 30.47 for Pakistan.
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