Pakistan spearhead Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, 26 July. The development was confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Twitter.
“It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game. I, however, have decided to move away from the longer version so I can concentrate on white ball cricket” Amir said in a statement released by the PCB.
Making his Test debut in 2009, Amir went onto play 36 Tests for Pakistan picking up 119 wickets. He was banned for five years by ICC for his involvement in spot-fixing. He made a comeback to international cricket in January 2015.
“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.”Mohammad Amir
“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,” added Amir.
“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” said Amir.
Amir further said that bidding adieu to Test cricket, he now wants to focus on limited-overs cricket keeping in mind next year’s T20 World Cup.
"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”, Amir concluded .
In the recently concluded World Cup, Amir had a great outing. He accounted for 17 wickets from 8 matches at an economy of 4.90. His best of 5/30 came against Australia in the league stage.
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