In a candid revelation, Pakistan’s renowned fast bowler Mohammad Amir has shed light on his decision to retire from international cricket, citing feelings of neglect and exclusion by the national cricket management following the T20 World Cup.
During an exclusive interview with a local media outlet, Amir expressed his frustration with the lack of communication from the Pakistan cricket setup. “Once the T20 World Cup concluded, there was complete silence. No one reached out to discuss my role or whether I figured in their long-term vision. When the signals are clear, you have to prioritize yourself. That’s when I decided to close the chapter on international cricket,” he stated, signaling his resolve to move forward.
Amir also disclosed the personal sacrifices he made to participate in the World Cup. “I let go of a lucrative county contract to represent Pakistan. In the end, I spent more than I earned, covering expenses like my trainer’s travel out of my own pocket. But that’s a separate story,” he remarked, highlighting his commitment despite the financial strain.
Support for Babar Azam with a Technical Note
Commenting on Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, Amir was both supportive and analytical. “Babar is undoubtedly Pakistan’s finest cricketer at the moment. However, he’s been struggling for a while now. From what I’ve observed, he’s been a fraction late on the ball, which is impacting his shot choices,” Amir noted, offering a constructive critique while acknowledging Babar’s talent.
The Role of On-Field Aggression
Amir also reflected on the importance of mental toughness in cricket. “On the field, there’s no room for friendships or hierarchies. If a batter smashes a boundary off my first ball, I’m not going to congratulate him—I’ll throw something back to unsettle him. That’s the essence of competitive cricket,” he explained.
Drawing from the sport’s history, Amir added, “Cricket was once a battleground. Legends like Vivian Richards will tell you—back then, it felt like anything could happen. Controlled aggression is what makes the game thrilling. It’s not about crossing lines; it’s about keeping the batter on edge. Off the field, we’re all friends, sharing laughs.”
Amir emphasized the need for balance in aggression. “If I overstep with inappropriate words, the officials will step in with fines. As long as I’m not penalized, I know I’m within the game’s boundaries,” he said.
Defending Quetta Gladiators
Addressing his current franchise, Quetta Gladiators, Amir urged fans and critics to avoid snap judgments. “It’s unfair to judge a team or player based on a handful of matches. Performance needs time to be assessed properly,” he said, advocating for patience in evaluating his team’s progress.
Amir’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious career, but his insights into the game and its dynamics continue to resonate, offering a glimpse into the challenges and mindset of one of Pakistan’s cricketing greats.
