Pakistan fast-bowler Mohammad Amir says he is retiring from international cricket after being treated in a “shabby” manner and “mentally tortured” by his team’s management.
The 28-year-old, who had already retired from Tests, was not selected in the 35-member squad for the New Zealand series last month and was also overlooked for the home series against Zimbabwe.
“I don’t want to play international cricket any more,” Amir,
“I was always available for white-ball cricket but I have had shabby treatment from the team management who have mentally tortured me, and that’s unacceptable.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Amir’s decision in a press release.
“PCB chief executive Wasim Khan spoke with Amir this afternoon who confirmed that he has no desires or intentions of playing international cricket and, as such, he should not be considered for future international matches,” a PCB release said on Thursday.
“This is a personal decision of Amir, which the PCB respects.”
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was quick to respond and said that Amir to be handed over to him for training “and then see the wonders he does on the ground.”
Give @iamamirofficial under me and then see the wonders he does on the ground. Na zaaya kerain us ko.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) December 17, 2020
Also, Ramiz Raja expressed sadness over untimely exit of Mohammad Amir.
“Mohammad Amir retires. Sad untimely exit of a potential super star! And a lesson for aspiring youth: Respect your talent and understand your responsibilities. Don’t mistake wealth for respect. Respect is earned by having a strong character and not by worldly glitzy shit!” he said.
Mohammad Amir retires. Sad untimely exit of a potential super star! And a lesson for aspiring youth: Respect your talent and understand your responsibilities. Don’t mistake wealth for respect. Respect is earned by having a strong character and not by worldly glitzy shit!
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) December 17, 2020
PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan also opposed the cricketer decision and asked him to review it. He also called for giving respect to talent.
“Team management may look into Amir’s concerns & involve sr. players to handle the matter.28yrs old Amir is a huge talent & we shouldn’t waste him.And for Aamir, he may reconsider his test ckt as his age&form still suit him this v format. No emotional decision pl,” Khan wrote.
Team management may look into Amir's concerns & involve sr. players to handle the matter.28yrs old Amir is a huge talent & we shouldn't waste him.And for Aamir, he may reconsider his test ckt as his age&form still suit him this v format. No emotional decision pl #ٹیلنٹ_کی_قدرکریں
— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) December 17, 2020
Social media users also reacted in a way that “Amir” was trending on Twitter with one demand: “Talent ki qadar karain” [Respect the talent].
Guys Please Make It A Trend For Muhammad Amir#AmirTakeRetirementBack
Tweet With This Hashtag Please 🙏 pic.twitter.com/giibpe8rig— Shahbaz Jadoon (@SJadoonOfficial) December 17, 2020