Mohammad Amir, the left-arm pacer who was once hailed as the next Wasim Akram, has announced his second retirement from international cricket at the age of 32. The decision came shortly after his former teammate, Imad Wasim, also called time on his international career. Amir’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey in which he not only captivated cricket fans with his exceptional skills but also endured significant personal and professional setbacks. This article takes a closer look at his career, his second retirement, and the legacy he leaves behind in Pakistan cricket.
The Rise of Mohammad Amir
Mohammad Amir’s rise to international cricket was nothing short of meteoric. Debuting for Pakistan in 2009, Amir quickly established himself as one of the most promising young fast bowlers in the world. His natural pace, accuracy, and ability to swing the ball both ways made him a standout talent. Amir’s performances in all formats—Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20s—earned him comparisons with cricketing legends, with many experts and fans predicting him to be the next Wasim Akram.
A Setback That Changed Everything
Amir’s promising career took a dark turn during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010. At just 17 years old, Amir was caught in a high-profile spot-fixing scandal during a Test match at Lord’s. The incident led to a five-year ban from the International Cricket Council (ICC), putting a halt to his burgeoning career. This controversial episode tested Amir’s resilience, and for a period, it seemed his career might never recover.
The Comeback and Career Highlights
Despite the setback, Amir made a remarkable comeback to international cricket in 2015 after serving his ban. His return was met with mixed emotions—some celebrated his redemption, while others were skeptical of his return. Nevertheless, Amir proved his worth with strong performances, particularly in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. In the final against India, Amir’s sensational spell of bowling, which saw him dismiss top-order batsmen Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli, was a turning point in the match. Pakistan won the Champions Trophy, and Amir’s brilliant bowling was central to the team’s success, solidifying his place in cricket history.
A Second Retirement: The End of an Era
Amir’s career has been a series of comebacks, but his second retirement decision comes at a time when Pakistan cricket is looking for fresh talent to carry the team forward. In a statement on social media platform X, Amir expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for Pakistan and stated that it was time for the next generation to take charge. He said, “It has been a great honor 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.”
Amir’s retirement announcement comes just a day after Imad Wasim’s decision to retire from international cricket. Both players had participated in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA, but Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament further intensified the need for a fresh start in the national team.
A Career Marked by Ups and Downs
Throughout his career, Amir faced a mixture of triumphs and challenges. He was part of Pakistan’s cricketing renaissance, lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, but his career was also marred by controversies. Despite these hurdles, Amir remained a key player for Pakistan and enjoyed significant success in all formats of the game. His fast bowling skills, particularly his ability to bowl well under pressure, earned him the respect of fans and players worldwide.
Legacy in Pakistan Cricket
Mohammad Amir’s legacy is complex but impactful. From his sensational debut to his redemption after the spot-fixing scandal, Amir’s career will always be remembered for both its brilliance and its controversies. He inspired a generation of fast bowlers in Pakistan and continues to be seen as one of the country’s finest talents in recent history. His career highlighted the importance of resilience, hard work, and redemption in the face of adversity.
Final Thoughts
As Mohammad Amir bids farewell to international cricket, the cricketing world will undoubtedly miss the talent and flair he brought to the game. While his second retirement marks the end of a chapter in Pakistan cricket, it also signifies the beginning of a new era, where younger players will have the opportunity to step into the spotlight. Pakistan fans, who supported Amir through the highs and lows of his career, will undoubtedly continue to watch with hope as the team moves forward.
With a career that spanned over a decade and included both triumphs and challenges, Mohammad Amir will always be remembered as one of Pakistan’s most talented and controversial cricketers. His story is one of resilience, redemption, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
