Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has announced his retirement from Test cricket. Amir, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in July 2009, said he wanted to focus on white-ball cricket’.
Amir represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, taking 119 wickets at an average of 30.47. His best bowling figures were six for 44 against the Windies in April 2017. After breaking into the international scene as a 17-year-old, Amir was handed a five-year ban for his involvement in spot fixing scandal in 2011. Amir returned from his ban in 2016 and played 22 Tests, picking up 62 wickets.
“It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game,” Amir said in a statement. “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.”
