Mohammad Amir retires from Tests to focus on white ball

Pakistan
Mohammad Amir celebrate England Pakistan World Cup PA

Mohammad Amir has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect, but reaffirmed his commitment to playing white-ball cricket for Pakistan.

It’s hard to escape the idea that Amir is a talent unfulfilled in Tests, having burst on to the scene so thrillingly in 2009 before being banned for five years for his part in the infamous spot-fixing saga in England a year later.

In all he played just 36 Tests, taking 119 wickets at an average the wrong side of 30. Those numbers could and should have been so much better. He is still only 27.

In a statement, Amir said: “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.

“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.

“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.

“I want to thank all my team-mates as well 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.”

PCB managing director Wasim Khan said: “Amir has been one of the most exciting and talented left-arm fast bowlers in Test cricket in recent times.

“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.

“However, we respect his decision and look forward to him continuing to play an integral role in white ball cricket for Pakistan.”

Mohammad Amir Pakistan

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