Raja wants Amir to ‘repay’ by helping Pakistan revive Test cricket instead of retiring

Former Pakistan captain-turned-cricket commentator Ramiz Raja expressed disappointment over Mohammad Amir’s decision to retire from Test cricket, saying that that the decision was ‘unfair.’

“It is disappointing to learn that Amir opt to retire at such a young age [27 years] from Test format, which could bring one attain legendary status in cricketing point of view. All the top players have minted runs and taken wickets in Test cricket making a name for themselves as no one has become a legend playing 50-overs or 20-overs cricket,” said Raja.

“Unfortunately the mindset of some young and senior players has become such that Test cricket doesn’t interest them. The worrying part for the cricketing boards is now to persuade such players to play for their countries and make Test cricket financially attractive and entertaining,” he added.

The former batsman further said that the board and pundits have fought a lot for Amir, who was picked back into the national side after the 2010 match fixing controversy, so it was time for the bowler to ‘repay’ his fans and the team.

“Amir’s role at this time should have been to help Pakistan revive its Test cricket, as the side has fallen to lower ranks. This was the time to repay but unfortunately I believe that Amir took the easier route by retiring from Test cricket that was a bit unfair,” he added.

Pakistan’s fast bowling spearhead Mohammad Amir announced retirement from Test cricket on Friday with immediate effect. The fast bowler would, however, be available for his side in the limited overs cricket.