After having “few positive” meetings with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), fast bowler Mohammad Amir said on Sunday that he has changed his mind about retiring from international cricket. He also stated that he will be available for the ICC T20 World Cup, which begins in June.
The seasoned pacer declared his retirement in 2020 and said the PCB management was “mentally torturing” him.
The cricket player was alluding to the notorious controversy of 2010 in which he was charged with spot-fixing after intentionally bowling two no-balls in the Lord’s Test match against England in exchange for money as part of a betting scheme.
After being questioned by Scotland Yard, he entered a guilty plea alongside teammates Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif. November 2011 saw his conviction and a five-year suspension from competitive play.
He had claimed that his exclusion from the 35-man team for the New Zealand tour and the present climate at the PCB served as a “wake-up call” for him.
The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, had earlier told the press in Lahore that the board will make the decision about the pacer’s future, gesturing to Wahab Riaz and Muhammad Yousuf.
Amir said in a post on X that he was politely informed by the board that his services were required and that he could continue to play for the team.
He declared, “I declare that I am available to be considered for the upcoming t20WC [ICC T20 World Cup] after discussing with family and well-wishers.”
“It is my duty to serve my country before my own desires,” he continued.
“My greatest aspirations have always been and will continue to be serving my country while wearing the green jersey,” he declared.
In June, the United States and the West Indies will host the Twenty20 World Cup.
In 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 50 T20Is, Amir has played for Pakistan.
His declaration was made the day after all-around player Imad Wasim decided to play in this year’s World Cup after having previously decided to retire four months earlier.
