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Pakistan’s newly-appointed team director, Mohammad Hafeez, unveiled the specifics of his discussions with former cricketers Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir. Amir’s surprising retirement in 2020, at the young age of 28, startled cricket fans globally, marking an unexpected exit from a career that had seen both acclaim and controversy.
Hafeez disclosed that he personally reached out to Mohammad Amir, urging him to engage in domestic cricket if he desired to continue representing Pakistan.
“I personally contacted Mohammad Amir and suggested that if he desired to play for Pakistan, he should reconsider his retirement and focus on domestic cricket. I assured him that exceptional performances could lead to selection in the Pakistan team, offering equal opportunities. However, he expressed that he had moved on in life, with different priorities, a decision we must respect,” Hafeez explained.
In an earlier media interaction this year, Amir reaffirmed his retirement, emphasizing his belief that it was the moment for the younger generation to assume leadership in the sport.
“I’ve retired, so how can I anticipate a comeback? If I hadn’t retired, I might have expressed hope, but now that I have retired, that chapter is closed. I’ve moved on, and younger talents are now representing the team,” Amir had expressed.
“I called Imad Wasim myself and said that he is in my plans for Pakistan team and he should serve Pakistan cricket. I asked him for his availability and he said that he will think about it and will let me know. After two days, he messaged me saying that he was not available for the New Zealand series. After another two days, Imad Wasim announced his retirement,” Hafeez said.
“I acknowledge his services for Pakistan cricket and wish him well for future,” he added.
