Pakistani star bowler Mohammad Amir has announced retirement from test cricket sending a shock to his fanbase both in and outside Pakistan. The 27-year old says he wants to focus on “white-ball cricket” aka One Day Internationals and T20 format of the game.
He made his test debut on 4 July 2009 against Sri Lanka.
Amir has played 36 test matches for Pakistan and claimed 119 wickets with best figures of 6/44.
“It has been an honor 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,” he said in his retirement statement.
He added:
“Playing for Pakistan remains my ultimate desire and objective, and I will try my best to be in the best physical shape to contribute in the team’s upcoming challenges, including next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
Amir has formerly been in the center of a controversy that led to a 7-year-long ban by the International Cricket Council. He made a return and played ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
“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.
Mohammad Amir played his last test match against South Africa at Johannesburg in January this year.
“I want to thank all my team-mates as well as the opponents in red-ball cricket. It has been a privilege to play with and against them. I am sure our paths will continue to cross in limited-overs cricket as all of us play and compete with the same vigour and determination.
“I also want to thank the PCB for providing me the opportunity to don the golden star on my chest. And I am grateful to my coaches, who have groomed me at various stages of my career.”
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