mm-news-@dmin “My fans say that I should come back, but Pakistan cricket also needs to move forward,” says Amir
Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has broken his silence amid rising speculation over his potential return to international cricket.
In a candid video message, Amir clarified that he has no plans to revoke his retirement. And emphasised that his decision to step away from the game remains unchanged.
He added that while his fans urge him to return, Pakistan cricket must continue to progress.
“For the past two or three days, I have been hearing that Mohammad Amir is making a comeback and taking back his retirement. No discussion has taken place with me about any comeback or retirement withdrawal, nor do I have any such plan. The decision I made regarding retirement is final,” Amir said.
“My fans say that I should come back, but Pakistan cricket also needs to move forward,” he added.
It is pertinent to mention that Amir announced his retirement from international cricket. For the second time on December 14, 2024. After the ICC T20 World Cup, stating it was time for the next generation to take over.
This followed his earlier decision to retire in December 2020. From which he returned in early 2024 to be available for the T20 World Cup.
The left-arm pacer also stressed the importance of giving opportunities to young players.
“There are young players in the team. If the youngsters keep performing consistently, they will build a strong team in two or three years, and I hope they’ll be ready for the World Cup. We played the Asia Cup final; now I hope we play the World Cup final and win as well,” he stated.
Recently, reports suggested that the board planned to change the selection committee, replacing former pacer Aqib Javed as chief selector with 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.
The pacer welcomed Sarfaraz’s involvement in any capacity, emphasising his support for the former captain’s role in Pakistan cricket.
He said that reports suggested Sarfaraz Ahmed might be appointed Chief Selector. Even if Sarfaraz was not given the top role but joined as a selector, he added, it would still be a good decision since Sarfaraz has played alongside the current players — an experience that could prove advantageous.
The 33-year-old praised Sarfaraz for his integrity and highlighted the importance of utilising experienced former cricketers in the system.
“Sarfaraz Ahmed is an honest and sincere person; Pakistan cricket can benefit from people like him. Cricketers should also be capable of managing affairs and should be good players. Many cricketers came before, but they left the team in turmoil.”
He further suggested the inclusion of experienced former players in advisory and coaching roles.
He said the board should include Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, and Sohail Tanvir in white-ball cricket because of their expertise, and bring Younis Khan into the system since he is not a “yes-man.”
