Soon after Imad Wasim called time on his international career for the second time, Pakistani pace-bowling sensation Mohammed Amir also followed suit to announce his retirement from the international arena as well. Both players made their last appearances for Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup in which India triumphed with flying colours. 

Amir had a troubled international career plagued with a plethora of controversies. The biggest of them all was his involvement in the 2010 match-fixing scandal which was exposed by the UK anti-corruption squad. He was jailed and banned for a period of five years but later made a successful return to the international stage in 2016.

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Amir goes public with his retirement

Amir's growing discontent with the PCB reached a boiling point and the pacer announced his first retirement in December 2020. But over the years, Amir made plans to revive his international career and in March 2024 he took back his retirement. But as the dust settled on Pakistan's disastrous T20 World Cup campaign which Amir was a part of, the 32-year-old once again decided to announce his retirement the second time.

In a statement issued by PCB, Amir expressed that it was an honor to wear the Green Shirt and thanked the PCB administration for giving him the opportunity. He feels it is time for him to make way for budding youngsters who can potentially lift Pakistan cricket to new heights. 

“It has been a great honour to play for Pakistan across all three formats. I know this is a difficult decision, but I feel this is the right time for the next generation to take the baton and elevate Pakistan cricket to new heights. I would like to thank the PCB for always extending the much-needed support over the years, and I look forward to watching the team excel. I would also like to thank Pakistan fans for always supporting me throughout my career.”

Amir was a member of Pakistan's winning squad in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup and significantly contributed to the success of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Notably, his performance against India in the final altered the course of the match, leaving India unable to regain their momentum.

Amir and Imad at loggerheads with PCB

Both Amir and Imad reportedly had disagreements with the PCB administration and clashed frequently with them. Availability was the core issue surrounding both players. The continuous change in dispensation at PCB ensured they never really arrived at a decision to play for Pakistan, announcing it one day and then changing it the next. This uncertainty soon took the shape of frustration which resulted in the announcement of the two players for the second time. However, both players have made it clear that they would be available to participate in domestic and franchise cricket.