Mohammad Amir Announces Retirement from International Cricket After Controversial Career
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 32, marking the end of a career filled with highs and lows, including his infamous involvement in a spot-fixing scandal. Amir’s decision to retire comes after a comeback earlier this year, when he played in the Twenty20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Amir explained his retirement decision, stating, “After careful consideration I have taken the difficult decision to retire from international cricket. These decisions are never easy, but are inevitable. I feel this is the right time for the next generation to take the baton and elevate Pakistan cricket to new heights.”
Amir’s career was clouded by controversy, especially after his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal during a Test match in England. Along with his then-captain Salman Butt and fellow bowler Mohammad Asif, Amir was found guilty of deliberately bowling no-balls as part of a fixing scheme. The trio was banned from cricket, and Amir served a five-year suspension, along with a prison sentence in the UK.
Despite his troubled past, Amir made a strong comeback in 2016 and was a vital part of Pakistan’s national team across all formats until his initial retirement in December 2021. His retirement came after he was dropped from Pakistan’s squad for a tour of New Zealand, but Amir continued to feature in various franchise T20 leagues around the world, including the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Throughout his career, Amir played 36 Tests, taking 119 wickets, 81 wickets in 61 ODIs, and 71 wickets in 62 T20Is. His performances on the international stage were often commendable, particularly his spell in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final, where he played a key role in Pakistan’s historic victory.
Although Amir has now decided to retire from international cricket, he is still active in the T10 league circuit, currently playing in Sri Lanka. His announcement marks the end of an era for one of Pakistan’s most gifted fast bowlers, and while his career was marred by controversy, Amir’s talent on the field remains undeniable.
As Amir moves on from international cricket, he expressed confidence that the next generation of Pakistan cricketers will continue to take the team to greater heights, and his decision marks a transition for both him and the team.