Pakistan's cricketing scene has witnessed significant changes as prominent fast bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim have announced their retirements from international cricket. This end of two illustrious careers marks the closure of notable chapters for Pakistan, who have featured prominently on the world stage.
Mohammad Amir, who last played for Pakistan during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, has announced his official retirement. The 32-year-old left-arm fast bowler took to social media to share the news, emphasizing the emotional weight of his decision. "After careful consideration I have taken the difficult decision to retire from international cricket," he posted on X. Amir has had a rollercoaster career, including his initial retirement following being dropped from the national squad during the tour of New Zealand back in 2021. Yet, the lure of representing Pakistan saw him return for the T20 World Cup, where he showcased his cricketing prowess by jointly leading his team as the highest wicket-taker.
Across all formats, Amir delivered impressive stats, bringing home 271 wickets from 159 matches, solidifying his reputation as one of Pakistan's premier fast bowlers. Amir reflected, "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..." He expressed gratitude for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the support throughout his career. Amir's career has not been devoid of controversy, as his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal led to significant repercussions, including jail time.
Following Amir's announcement, Imad Wasim also publicly declared his retirement. The all-rounder's career began on the international scene with his debut against Zimbabwe in 2015. His numbers, showcasing 1540 runs and 117 wickets, reflect his valuable contributions to the team. Imad, who served as vice-captain during Pakistan's championship-winning campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, thanked his supporters and the PCB, stating, "It has been a great honor to represent my country and the fulfilment of..." He expressed his desire to support Pakistan cricket from afar moving forward, after noting the dreamlike quality of representing his nation on the global stage.
There’s also Mohammad Irfan, the towering left-armer who was part of Pakistan's cricketing fabric, announcing his international retirement. Irfan, who had not played for the national side for over five years, was acknowledged for his contributions, claiming 109 wickets across 86 matches. He highlighted how the outpour of support from fans made his tenure memorable, reinforcing the sentiment of community surrounding Pakistan cricket.
It was notable to see these retirements happen during such significant periods for the sport. Amir had previously retired, only to be called back to help bolster the squad during the T20 World Cup—an opportunity he seized upon completely, managing seven wickets across the tournament. Imad's performance during the same tournament differed, as he struggled to make impactful contributions, culminating with merely 19 runs and three wickets over three matches.
These decisions have led to discussions around the future of Pakistan cricket, with the focus shifting to nurturing upcoming talent. While both Amir and Imad leave behind enviable legacies, their retirements spark opportunities for new heroes to emerge on the field. Going forward, the PCB will have the integral role of identifying and promoting the next generation of players to fill the void left by these seasoned professionals.
The farewells from Amir and Imad not only reflect personal transitions but also symbolize the cyclical nature of sports, where every ending heralds new beginnings. For fans, the memories created by these players over the years will remain cherished, as they look to new talents carrying the torch for Pakistan on the international stage.
