Mohammad Amir has made himself available for selection to Pakistan for the upcoming T20 World Cup that starts on June 2 in the USA and the West Indies. Mohammad Amir‘s last match for Pakistan was a T20I against England in 2020, and he retired from international cricket in December that year, saying he felt mentally tortured. He stated the same in a heartfelt note on X. Notably, Mohammad Amir claimed 10 wickets for Quetta Gladiators in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Mohammad Amir has called it quits from international cricket in December 2020.The left-arm pacer, who had grown frustrated with the Pakistan team management, confirmed that he had no desires of playing international cricket. Mohammad Amir lashed out at the management, stating that he was being mentally tortured. Notably, he was accused of preferring domestic T20 leagues over the demands of Test cricket.
Mohammad Amir’s international service for Pakistan before controversial retirement
Mohammad Amir, who made his international debut in 2009, was found guilty of spot-fixing in a 2010 Test match in England. He made a Pakistan comeback in 2016 after the completion of his five-year ban. The pacer made a successful return across formats as he featured in tournaments like the 2016 T20 World Cup, the 2017 Champions Trophy, and the 2019 ODI WC.
Mohammad Amir featured for Pakistan in 36 Test matches, claiming 119 wickets at an average of 30.47. He claimed four five-wicket hauls, with a best of 6/44. The Pakistan seamer also played 61 ODI matches, registering 81 wickets in the format at 29.62, with a best of 5/30.
The 29-year-old pacer also played 50 T20Is, taking 59 scalps at 21.40.
Mohammad Amir and his decision to comeback for Pakistan for WT20 creates huge stir
Mohammad Amir most recently played the 2024 PSL, where he finished with 10 wickets in nine games with an economy of 8.41 for Quetta Gladiators. Mohammad Amir’s announcement comes a day after allrounder Imad Wasim reversed his retirement and also made himself available for selection for the T20 World Cup.
While Mohammad Amir had an unremarkable PSL campaign, his performances in the CPL in recent seasons stand him in promising stead for a World Cup that will largely be held in the West Indies. He has taken 43 wickets at an average of 14.39 and an economy rate of just 6.50. With Shaheen not at full tilt since his injury return, Naseem only recently back from a lengthy layoff and Haris Rauf currently injured, Pakistan’s pace bowling stocks are depleted, potentially giving Amir the opportunity to elbow his way in.
The announcement from Amir, who had retired from international cricket towards the end of 2020, comes right after PCB announced their new seven-member selection panel, that includes four former Test cricketers.
Mohammad Amir on his social handle wrote on Sunday about his decision to come out of retirement. He said :
“I still dream to play for Pakistan! Life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions. There have been a few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan, and after discussing with family and well wishers I declare that I am available to be considered for [the] upcoming T20 WC,”
“I want [to] do this for my country as it comes before my personal decisions. Donning the green jersey and serving my country has always been, and will continue to be, my greatest aspiration [sic],” the 31-year-old went on to add.
The decision also has ramifications for his county Derbyshire, whom he will not be linking up with when the season starts on April 5.New Zealand visit Pakistan for five T20Is from April 18-27, and Mohammad Amir’s decision to make himself available for international cricket means he will be in Pakistan during this period. In a post on social media, he thanked the county, as well as head coach Mickey Arthur, for “being understanding”.