Former all-rounder supports Mohammad Amir’s Test retirement

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir’s announcement to retire from Test cricket came as a major shock for cricketing fraternity, who were of the view that the fast bowler took the decision prematurely.

However, Pakistan’s former all-rounder Yasir Arafat believes that the speedster took the right call, as great things were expected from Amir by the PCB, which unfortunately didn’t get materialize.

“As a former international cricketer and a bowler, it's my view that given Mohammad Amir’s age, his ability to play the longer format of the game is on the decline,” said Arafat, quoted PakPassion.net. The all-rounder stated that Amir neither has the energy nor the commitment to play Test cricket, in that scenario the fast bowler took the ‘right decision.’

“In this way he can protect his body from further deterioration and also earn good money playing in Twenty20 Leagues or in county cricket,” he added.

Last month, Amir announced his Test retirement at the age of 27 and this came after he was the top wicket-taker for the Men in Green in the recently-concluded ICC World Cup 2019.

Former Pakistan cricketers Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar expressed their disappointment at Mohammad Amir’s decision. “To me Mohammad Amir retiring from Test cricket is a bit surprising because you peak at 27-28 and Test cricket is where you are judged against the best, it’s the ultimate format,” said Akram.

Meanwhile, Akhtar went on to raise an alarm, saying that such a decision could set a bad precedent. “Mohammad Amir retirement could be followed by Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz and Juanid Khan’s retirement. I don’t understand what is happening with the Pakistan team,” said Akhtar.