News Desk |
Fast bowler Mohammad Amir has announced his retirement from international Test Cricket with immediate effect. The decision was conveyed in a press release by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
📰 @iamamirofficial announces retirement from Test cricket.
MORE: https://t.co/vgCobl8eOq pic.twitter.com/F8lBoeO9VA
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 26, 2019
However, the left-arm pacer Amir has confirmed that he will continue to be available to play for the Pakistan Cricket team in limited over formats.
The bowler who is traditionally seen to be the spear head of Pakistan’s pace attack has announced his retirement rather early at only 27 years of age.
“It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game. I, however, have decided to move away from the longer version so I can concentrate on white ball cricket.”, Amir was quoted in the press release.
Amir also stated that playing for Pakistan will remain his greatest desire and that he considered himself blessed to have been able to wear the golden star on his chest and represent Pakistan on the international stage.
However, Amir said that he had announced the early retirement in order to give the board and management ample time to find a suitable replacement.
“It has not been an easy decision to make and I have been thinking about this for some time. But with the ICC World Test Championship commencing shortly, and Pakistan boasting some very exciting young fast bowlers, it is appropriate that I call on my time in Test cricket so that the selectors can plan accordingly.”
It had been confirmed last year that Amir was looking to play less Tests to prolong his limited overs career in a sport which is particularly taxing for the fitness of a fast bowler.
Read more: Pakistan fightback inspired by tea time chat, says Amir
Amir also called Test Cricket which is the traditional and oldest cricket format, the pinnacle of the game.
One social media user found an interesting fact connecting Mohammad Amir to Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga.
27 years old retiring just after World Cup…last time Lasith Malinga retired at the age of 27 from Tests just after World Cup 2011 who is also retiring from ODIs today!!! https://t.co/hA6gNm7whX
— JSK (@imjsk27) July 26, 2019
However, his decision did invoke disbelief and calls for reconsideration from many.
Muhammad Amir has announced retirement from Tests. He will continue playing LOIs. This is me right now: pic.twitter.com/6tmSbJeUik
— Muhammad Umair Tariq (@umairtariq90) July 26, 2019
Are you serious, Amir? Is this a joke?
— Ammar Ali Jan (@ammaralijan) July 26, 2019
Mohammad Amir retires after playing 36 Tests and taking 119 wickets. His Test career started as 17 year old, bright faced bowler against Sri Lanka in Gaule in 2009. His best figures of 6-44 came against the West Indies in 2017.
“He overcame adversity as a young cricketer and came back stronger not only as a cricketer but also as a better human being. His skill, on the field, and his personality will be missed in the dressing room in the longer format.” said PCB director Waseem Khan.
However, Wasm Khan said that the PCB respected Amir’s decision and looked forward to his continued presence in limited overs cricket.