Shoaib Akhtar expresses disappointment over Amir's Test retirement
Akhtar said that Pakistan cricket invested in Amir after his comeback from spot-fixing ban and it was time for the pacer to pay back.
(Dunya News) – Pakistani fastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed disappointment over the news of Mohammad Amir’s retirement from the Test format saying that it was time for Amir to pay back Pakistan after spot-fixing ban.
However, Amir’s decision to bid adieu to the longest format of the game at a young age did not sit well with former Pakistan speedsters Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram which was surprised over the news.
Akhtar said that Pakistan cricket invested in Amir after his comeback from spot-fixing ban and it was time for the pacer to pay back.
"I am thoroughly disappointed that Amir has retired at the age where players are at the peak of their careers. It was time for Amir to pay back Pakistan. In a time where Pakistan’s run in Test matches is so poor, Amir was needed to deliver for his side and help them win some series. I had helped Pakistan win series in England and New Zealand despite knee injuries," Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.
"If I were part of the Pakistan selection board, I would have not allowed these boys to play T20s. There are times when you should make money but this is the time when Pakistan needs you.
"I request the board to look into the matter. Amir is just 27 and his retirement shows us the mentality of the players. I think this is the time for Prime Minister Imran Khan to look into the matter to bring dynamic and energetic people."
"All these players just want to be the T20 bowlers. This is the fact. Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, all these players want to play only in the T20s. Playing in the ODIs also seems to be a huge task for them," the former Pakistan pacer added.
Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir on July 26 announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect, but reaffirmed his commitment to playing white ball cricket for Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reported
Amir made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle in July 2009, he featured in 36 Tests, taking 119 wickets at an average of 30.47. His best bowling returns - six for 44 – were against the West Indies in Kingston in April 2017.. Amir last played a Test match in January 2019 against South Africa.
