Pace bowler Mohammad Amir announces retirement from Test cricket
Pakistan’s premier pace bowler Mohammad Amir has announced his retirement from Test cricket in a bid to prolong his career in shorter formats of the game. Left-arm quick issued a statement in which he said that he was honored to represent and play for Pakistan at the highest level. He stated that decided to quit red-ball cricket in order to produce better results for Pakistan in white-ball cricket.
Amir, who topped the bowling charts for Pakistan in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Pace bowler said that he is looking forward to do well for Pakistan and will be keen to prepare well for next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
He said that it was tough decision to make but felt it was right to move on so that new players could get opportunities to prove their mettle in the ICC World Test Championship. Mohammad Amir made his debut in Test cricket in July 2009 against Sri Lanka at Galle International Cricket Stadium. In 36 Test matches, Amir accumulated 119 wickets at an average of 30.47. His best bowling performance came against West Indies in Kingston in April 2017.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) acknowledged Amir for his innumerable services for Pakistan cricket team and lauded his skills and determination.
PCB Managing Director, Wasim Khan said that, “Amir has been one of most talented bowlers to play for Pakistan at the international level. He overcame a lot of hardships after banned for five years due to his alleged involvement in match-fixing during England tour in 2010.” Wasim stated that Amir has been a good role model for youngsters and will be missed in the dressing room.
Left-arm quick also thanked and acknowledged the support of his teammates and Pakistan Cricket Board in red-ball career spanning almost a decade. He said that he likes to extend his gratitude and appreciation for all the support and help received from his team-mates. He also thanked Pakistan Cricket Board and all the coaches who helped in reach the top summit in international cricket.
