Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar disappointed with Amir’s decision to retire from Test cricket
Mohammad Amir announced his decision to retire from the Test cricket on Friday. This announcement has left many of the cricket followers including former Pakistani cricketers disappointed.
Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram, and Shoaib Akhtar among many others have expressed their discontent over Amir’s decision.
The 27-year-old pacer played only 36 Tests, taking 119 wickets at an average of 30.47 for Pakistan. He was jailed for his involvement in spot-fixing in 2011 and was subsequently handed a 5-year ban. Amir made his strong came back after the punishment and played a crucial role in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy final win over India in 2017.
Mohammad Amir announces retirement from Test cricket
Former Pakistan batsman-turned commentator Ramiz Raja in a tweet said: Amir white flagging Test Cricket at 27 is disappointing. Besides being dismissive of the greatest format that makes stars & legends his decision is clearly not in in line with the needs of Pak ckt which is desperately looking to reboot test cricket. Was time to repay & not eject.
Amir white flagging Test Cricket at 27 is disappointing. Besides being dismissive of the greatest format that makes stars & legends his decision is clearly not in in line with the needs of Pak ckt which is desperately looking to reboot test cricket. Was time to repay & not eject.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) July 26, 2019
Former Pakistan skipper and fast pacer Wasim Akram also criticized Amir’s decision saying that this was the player’s time to ‘peak’ instead of retiring.
Taking it to social media Wasim Akram in a tweet wrote, “To me, Mohammad Amir retiring from Test cricket is a bit surprising because you peak at 27-28 and Test cricket is where you are judged against the best, it’s the ultimate format. Pakistan will need him in two Tests in Australia and then three in England”.
To me Mohammad Amir retiring from Test cricket is a bit surprising because you peak at 27-28 and Test cricket is where you are judged against the best, it’s the ultimate format. Pakistan will need him in two Tests in Australia and then three in England.
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) July 26, 2019
Shoaib Akhtar said that he is thoroughly disappointed with the decision and expressed that he wouldn’t select players who quit red-ball cricket for focus on ODIs and T20Is had he been the selector.
He shared his comments on his YouTube channel, saying, “Mohammad Amir retirement could be followed by Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, and Junaid Khan’s retirement. I don’t understand what is happening with the Pakistan team. How could Mohammad Amir retire at the age of 27? Pakistan has invested so much on him and brought him out of the match-fixing scandal to the national side and is trying to give him chances. Now that he was in good form, he has retired,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.
He further added, “All these players just want to be the T20I bowlers. This is a fact. Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, all these players want to play only in the T20Is. Playing in the ODIs also seems to be a big task for them.
I am thoroughly disappointed that Amir has retired at the age where players are at the peak of their careers. It was time for Amir to pay back to Pakistan. In a time where Pakistan’s run in Test matches is so poor, Amir was needed to deliver for his side and help them win some series. I had helped Pakistan win series in England and New Zealand despite knee injuries”.
“If I were part of the Pakistan selection board, I would have not allowed these boys to play in any of the formats. There are times when you should make money but this is the time when Pakistan needs you.
I request the Pakistan board to look into the matter. Amir is just 27 and his retirement shows us the mentality of the players. I think this is the time for Pakistan PM Imran Khan to look into the matter to bring dynamic and energetic people”, he further added.