Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has once again opened up about his decision to retire from international cricket, revealing that he felt sidelined and ignored by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the 2024 T20 World Cup. Amir, who had previously retired in 2020 citing issues with then-coaches Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis, made a brief return to international cricket for the World Cup before announcing his retirement again in December last year.
Speaking on a television program, Amir disclosed that after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the tournament, no one from the PCB reached out to him regarding future plans. “After the T20 World Cup ended, no one even talked to me. No one told me if I was part of the future plans,” Amir stated, emphasizing that he had to make a decision for himself. He further explained that he had turned down a County contract to represent Pakistan at the World Cup but ultimately felt unappreciated.
Amir also touched upon the financial burden he faced during his return, revealing that he personally covered expenses for his trainer and other costs. Despite his frustrations, he advocated for an aggressive mindset in cricket, reminiscing about the fierce nature of the game in earlier years.
The 33-year-old pacer expressed confidence in Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, stating that while Azam is currently going through a rough patch, he believes the batsman will bounce back. Amir pointed out technical flaws in Azam’s game but remained optimistic about his future performances.
Amir’s revelations have reignited discussions about PCB’s handling of senior players and the communication gaps within the board. His statements have sparked debates among cricket analysts and fans, raising concerns about the management of Pakistan’s cricketing talent.
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