Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has officially announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 32. This decision came just one day after all-rounder Imad Wasim also revealed that he would no longer be representing Pakistan at the international level. Both Amir and Wasim had participated in this year’s T20 World Cup held in the USA and West Indies.
A Storied Career Comes to an End
Amir’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished career, during which he played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is for Pakistan since his debut in June 2009. The left-arm pacer took a total of 271 wickets and scored 1,179 runs across all formats. He is perhaps most famous for his performance in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final against India, where he delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 16 runs. His key dismissals of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan were instrumental in Pakistan’s victory.
Amir Reflects on His Decision
In an official statement, Amir expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent Pakistan across all formats. “It has been a great honour to play for Pakistan. I know this is a difficult decision, but I believe it is the right time for the next generation to take over and elevate Pakistan cricket,” Amir stated. He also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their unwavering support throughout his career and acknowledged the fans for their constant backing.
Imad Wasim’s Retirement
Alongside Amir, 35-year-old Imad Wasim also bid farewell to international cricket. Imad made his debut in May 2015 and went on to represent Pakistan in 55 ODIs and 75 T20Is. He accumulated 117 wickets and 1,540 runs across 130 matches. Like Amir, Imad expressed his gratitude to the PCB and the fans for their support over the years.
“It has been an incredible journey representing my country. I want to thank the fans for their unwavering support, and I wish great success to the national team,” Imad said in his farewell statement.
Future in T20 Leagues
Both Amir and Wasim are expected to continue playing in T20 leagues around the world, where they remain highly sought-after players. Their retirements from international cricket mark the end of a significant era in Pakistan’s cricket history, but both players are likely to remain influential figures in the global T20 circuit.
