Pakistan greats surprised by Amir’s retirement
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LAHORE: Pakistan’s fast bowling greats Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar have expressed their surprise over young paceman Mohammad Amir’s decision of retiring from Test cricket.
In a media release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday, left-armer Amir said he was quitting Test matches, the game’s longest and traditional format, to focus on limited-overs games, i.e. ODIs and Twenty20s.
Former Pakistan skipper Wasim in his tweet message expressed his surprise at Amir’s decision.
“To me Mohammad Amir retiring from Test cricket is a bit surprising because you peak at 27-28 [years] and Test cricket is where you are judged against the best, it’s the ultimate format. Pakistan will need him in two Tests in Australia [later this year] and then three in England [in 2020],” Wasim, the fast bowling legend, tweeted.
Speedster Shoaib also expressed his concern over the decision and termed it a wrong precedence for the rest of the young lot of fast bowlers in Pakistan.
“Amir quitting Test matches could be followed by retirement of Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz and Juanid Khan. I don’t understand what is happening with the Pakistan team. How could Amir retire at the age of 27?” wondered Shoaib.
“Pakistan has invested so much on him and brought him out of the [2010] spot-fixing scandal to the national side and is trying to give him chances. Now that he was in good form, he has retired,” Shoaib regretted.
The 43-year-old Shoaib, who played for Pakistan in all formats, said that it was the time for Amir to pay back to the country because in Test matches noting the national team’s performance had touched the lowest point.
“You needed to show energy and deliver. You should have tried to play a role to win a series or more for Pakistan. Just like the way I won the series for Pakistan against New Zealand and England,” Shoaib emphasised.
Waqar Younis, another fast bowling icon known worldwide for his tow-crushing yorkers, posted a rather cryptic tweet in his reaction to Amir’s retirement.
“All the best with your white-ball cricket,” ex-skipper Waqar, who retired from international cricket in 2003, wrote in his tweet tagging Amir.
Meanwhile, former Test opener Ramiz Raja was also dismayed by Amir’s decision.
“Amir white flagging Test cricket at 27 is disappointing. Besides being dismissive of the greatest format that makes stars legends his decision is clearly not in line with the needs of Pak ckt which is desperately looking to reboot test cricket. Was time to repay & not eject,” Ramiz, who is now a TV commentator, tweeted.
Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2019
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Comments (66) Closed
Jul 28, 2019 10:51am
Amir's retirement from Test cricket is going to throw Pakistan's cricketing plans in the doldrums. We do not need a Lasith Malinga precedence in our country. Retirement means retirement. You either make yourself available for all three formats or you retire from them all. No one should be allowed to cherry pick what one wants to play. If Amir does not want to play Test cricket, the PCB should not consider him for selection in the other two formats. The PCB, as indeed the whole of Pakistan, supported his return to cricket after his ban was over and this is no way to repay your debt to the country. Let him go for good. No one is bigger than the game.
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Jul 28, 2019 10:57am
Test cricket especially takes a toll on fast bowlers whose bodies are not very robust like Amir's. I think it is the right decision. It will prolong his 1-day and 20-20 career for Pak.
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Jul 28, 2019 11:06am
Better late than never.
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Jul 28, 2019 11:13am
While it is true that PCB feels deceived as out of 3 spot fixing culprits, Amir was given preference, these famous former cricketers should also check how brutal they are when analyzing performance of current players .
Did they ever guide Amir in person?
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Jul 28, 2019 11:16am
Just a worthless character. Country spent so much on him and he is chasing money by only playing shorter format so he can play in various leagues around the world. He should be banned from all formats by PCB
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Jul 28, 2019 11:20am
Amir is immigrating to UK. So he has different plans. However he should know that only playing players have public attraction.
I am not sure how he can claim thet he has burnt out. He had a 5 year break from all cricket. He was well rested. The truth is that he is not able to perform outside England
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Jul 28, 2019 11:30am
It's his decision, and we should all respect it.
No players should be indispensable, I'm sure Pakistan will find another good replacement.
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Jul 28, 2019 11:51am
Amir did the right thing. Given a chance to settle down in London, how many of us would think twice? His future looks bright to me. Family always comes first.
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Jul 28, 2019 12:00pm
Very disappointing decision. I agree with Wasim, and frank remarks of Shoaib. Is it money driving the young Amir? Think again Amir, you will disappoint many and have little sympathy.
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Jul 28, 2019 12:01pm
His personal choice.
Best of luck for the future Amir.
Love from Pakistan.
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Jul 28, 2019 12:07pm
Test cricket is what separates men from boys. All the greats are remembered for their heroics in the longer format. AMIR owes it to Pakistan to give back. Someone like Wasim and Waqar should talk to him.
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Jul 28, 2019 12:37pm
He doesn't have the skill , swing or pace.he used to hide behind Mohd Asif. He is 29 or older.former greats are being nice. You can be sure he will be settling in uk soon. good riddance to the big actor.
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Jul 28, 2019 12:46pm
Disappointed.
He is just 28. He is now nearing his peak, in experience and ability. Amir should have served Pakistan in the longer form for 4 to 5 years more.
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Jul 28, 2019 01:09pm
Rumors are that he plans to move with his British wife to England and get a British passport. This will clear up his way for the IPL where the big money is.
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Jul 28, 2019 01:15pm
What ever anyone say pcb did not pick him in 15 membres in WC 2019 they add wahab and aamir
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Jul 28, 2019 01:19pm
In my opinion Amir is about 35 years of age in which case this decision to retire makes sense
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Jul 28, 2019 01:27pm
If requested by PCB I am sure Amir might withdraw his retirement.
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Jul 28, 2019 01:51pm
Great cricketers are not just great in cricket but in their life in general. Amir is just preparing for his life in Britain as a British citizen. Nothing wrong in that but he could done that past his prime. Really disappointed. We were looking for greatness in an average.
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Jul 28, 2019 01:58pm
All the best to him..... but Pakistan will definitely miss a talented bowler in upcoming season....
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Jul 28, 2019 03:11pm
@Mehwish, shoudl not be selected to represent Pakistan. Can only play in franchise T20 abroad.
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Jul 28, 2019 03:20pm
Best of luck Amir.... It's best you make your money fast and get out of the losing team list
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Jul 28, 2019 03:43pm
His pace had dropped considerably ever since he came back. He could make up for that by variations in Limited over cricket but in test cricket because of lack of pace was not getting enough penetration. Wise decision overall
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Jul 28, 2019 03:54pm
While we will miss him and remember him, lets contemplate on how much of a vacuum will he leave. He is no Imran Khan or Waqar Younus. Pakistan is a country where over a million cricketers aspire to represent Pakistan. Surely we will find one talented bowler. But it will take a little time, because the issue is not talented cricketers, it is talented selector's and administrators who cannot see beyond their nose.
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Jul 28, 2019 05:01pm
Once a cheat , always a cheat
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Jul 28, 2019 05:15pm
He is all about money right from the start and I think he is not wrong, but I would suggest do it within law this time.
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Jul 28, 2019 05:29pm
I think it is a big cheek of him to retire at this age when Pakistan needs him,Pakistan spent so much time and money,and now he is running away when it is time to pay back,I would not accept his decision from retiring,and letting him play with white ball.WHAT if he is not good with the white ball,IS he going to come back.Shame on him for what he is doing to Pakistan team.He just like to settle in England.
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Jul 28, 2019 05:30pm
@Mehwish, Well said Mehwish,you said it for me .he should be banned for playing for his country.
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Jul 28, 2019 05:49pm
By getting British citizenship, he wants to join IPL just like Azhar Mahmood
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Jul 28, 2019 05:53pm
All he proved is that he is playing for money and real money is in T20s and One dayers which make you instant star..
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Jul 28, 2019 05:55pm
Cheaters are often unpredictable too.
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Jul 28, 2019 06:12pm
From what I know, Amir is looking for citizenship of England. I am expecting retirement from all forms of Pakistani cricket once he secures that citizenship.
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Jul 28, 2019 06:42pm
@siddi, Well said.
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Jul 28, 2019 07:08pm
@siddi, its professional cricket.
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Jul 28, 2019 07:09pm
@Mehwish, he was a star mishandled by PCB.
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Jul 28, 2019 07:32pm
These legends didn't play during T20 era. Even Akhtar, who was often injured to no fault of his own, only played last few years of his career in T20 format. They are refusing to understand that nowadays, these kids play far more matches than they did and T20 is the demand of the day.
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Jul 28, 2019 07:37pm
If Amir has decided to retire from test cricket then i urge the PCB to retire him from all formats. If he or whoever so in their prime takes themselves out of a certain format then they should not be considered for any. It should be up to the PCB to select him for test, one day or T20.
I have always supported Amir and I think he is a talent but service to the country should not come with conditions. If the PCB lets him get away then they will set a precedent which will harm cricket in Pakistan.
The choice should be PCB's and not any player.
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Jul 28, 2019 07:45pm
PCB invested in him. They lobbied extensively for his return. It is his duty to make himself available for all formats. What if PCB does not pick him for the shorter formats? What will happen to his future plans?
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Jul 28, 2019 07:57pm
Bid farewell to him and let him go. No one should be called back once they decide. Unfortunately he never had any guidance and like millions of talented Pakistanis ended up average at best.
Good luck to him whatever his plans are. PCB must not let players cherry pick unless PCB wants them to play only selected formats. No one is indispensable and Amir is far from that now.
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Jul 28, 2019 08:08pm
I know eveyone is upset by Amir's decision and I hope he reconsider it too but in the end he knows his body and mind more than anyone, so ultimately it is his decision because what's the point in forcing someone to do that he/she does not want to do. If the heart and mind is not there then the result will be zero.
It is his prerogative, however, selecting him or not for other formats is PCB's prerogative. I wish him good luck.
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Jul 28, 2019 08:17pm
I don’t think he’d care if he was dropped from all forms by Pakistan. He’s got his eyes firmly set on living in the UK, playing county cricket and T20 leagues around the world.
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Jul 28, 2019 08:23pm
Amir ... Not good for you and your country.....Loved you from India.. No words to appreciate your champions trophy swing bowling....... what a fantastic bowling on that day.. ...Love you so much amir... reverse your decision...
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Jul 28, 2019 09:01pm
Amir is a greedy person, he is more interested in playing T20 leagues rather than sweating for the nation. Better to drop him from all formats and invest in some young blood who will be loyal to the country and more importantly play for at least a decade.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:39pm
Why so surprised? He was always in it for the money not for glory or country he can now play for lots of money in the lucurative t20 market he increased his worth substantially in the WC as he was back to his old best swinging and seaming the ball at will also some elements in the team never accepted him hopefully he should have less catches dropped in white ball cricket.
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Jul 28, 2019 10:39pm
I hope that Amir made this decision to leave test matches after consulting other colleagues which does not appear to ge the case.
Dr. Qureshi
dr
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Jul 28, 2019 11:03pm
Amir's retirement from test cricket is crazy.
Dr. Qureshi
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Jul 28, 2019 11:07pm
@siddi, It will be a loss but then again retirement should be in all formats. He is not repaying his debt back to the
country.
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Jul 28, 2019 11:23pm
Amir is soon migrating to UK .He will be playing in IPL to earn crores of Indian Rupees .P M is considering dual citizenship Amir would be back after 3-4 years after having loads of money and would then be available for test cricket
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Jul 28, 2019 11:38pm
@siddi, fully agree.
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Jul 28, 2019 11:40pm
Clearly, BCCI paid him off to retire so that India can win Test Championship — we all know how easy it is to buy out Pakistani cricketers — just look at all the pakistanis playing for other countries and leagues and not for Pakistan
Pakistani cricketers have no self respect or honor for the country — Cheap sell outs
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Jul 28, 2019 11:42pm
He is totally focusing on his financial future.
He knows PCB is not managing the future of cricket well. There is corruption in the PCB and ‘perchi’ System runs the show. So why not play T20 leagues around the world, make money from those, make your body last longer by playing short form.
If he was to play only for the country, he would end up being a poor guy. PCB doesn’t care about retired players, country doesn’t care about them either.
On retirement a player is - either proud but poor retired player OR a financially stable retired player with less pride(test playing pride).
He made a right choice. Ramiz and Wasim are commentators, they make good money after retirement. But not all retired players are lucky to be commentators. What if he gets injured playing test cricket or hits a bad patch . PCB will take him out, he will be on the road. What about the 60 yrs of life after that ? Who will pay for his family and future ?
This whole ‘make country Proud’ doesnt pay bills.
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Jul 29, 2019 01:37am
What a loss for Pakistan and Cricket! Such a talented guy who can make the ball literally sing! No one can really understand the reason behind his decision to retire other than himself. Let us respect his decision and enjoy whatever he can give for the rest of the time. I think people like Shoaib, Wasim and Waqar should stop from making poor misguided statements and let him be.
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Jul 29, 2019 02:02am
As an Indian fan, very sad to hear this news. On his day a great player, Pakistan needs him be can lead the attack and bring through the youngsters coming through,
World Cricket needs a strong and competitive Pakistan. Hope he re-considers.
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Jul 29, 2019 02:31am
I'm sorry, I don't understand all these people who are insulting him and abusing him for his decision.
For a start, he doesn't owe anything to me, you, or anyone else. He has performed for Pakistan, and on more than one occasion he has won matches singlehandedly. For that, we owe him a debt - it's not the other way around.
Secondly, what else should he do if he's no longer interested in red ball cricket? Should he pretend to be interested, until he's dropped through poor performance? If he doesn't want to play test cricket, the choice is his. It's a huge loss for Pakistan, but thankfully we're blessed with an unlimited supply of left arm pacers - we will find and develop another.
My disappointment is for these senior bowlers who feel the need to offer their outdated opinion on everything. Shoaib Akhtar in particular is a fool for trying to offer himself as an exemplary team player - a man who threw away his talent in his obsession with high speed deliveries. Uncle, sit down...
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Jul 29, 2019 05:45am
This was a long time coming, this is no one's fault but the management and the selectors and the nation as a whole, they can't compartmentalize, if they play Amir in 3 tests in UAE where he is useless cuz not a lot of swing then they will drop him from a tour of England, and if a guy makes a 100 in a test game they pick him t20s too and if someone can't score runs in ODIs they drop him from tests.
Amir knows it too so after the recent horror show of nearly missing the WC he has made his decision.
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Jul 29, 2019 06:37am
@siddi, he will happily move to T20 leagues around the globe. And that's what he wants.
It's all money matter. And that's where the money is.
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Jul 29, 2019 07:07am
This crook was always for money. He cheated. Now through migrating to England more opportunities will open up.
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Jul 29, 2019 07:36am
@N_Saq,
On this occasion, I agree with you 100%.
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Jul 29, 2019 09:14am
These greats thought he will be selected?? Amir wasn't sure ;) good call!
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Jul 29, 2019 09:49am
Not a right decision from Amir to retire from test cricket. Retiring at 27 from test makes no sense. PCB invested a lot on him, its how he repays. Had he been in his 30's then his decision would have made sense. Bowling would look very weak and toothless in test without him. No test match can be taken lightly as each match is part of world test championship. Amir needs to reconsider his decision.
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Jul 29, 2019 10:37am
We prefer Amir to postpone his retirement plan in the wake of former test cricketers bewilderment.We need him as he should not think that to retire from prime of his career.
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Jul 29, 2019 10:42am
Like Chris Gayle ,Amir must also change his mind to play Test Cricket as he owes lot for Pakistan Cricket
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Jul 29, 2019 11:29am
@siddi, Don’t be a dictator. Everyone has free will if it doesn’t harm others. PCB should only groom the budding bowlers and prevent them from falling prey to spot fixing..
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Jul 29, 2019 11:31am
@Asif jamil, After all these years the only place he got mercy was in England. Why would anybody want to stay in Pak?
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Jul 29, 2019 04:18pm
If settled in London, he can play IPL and earn lot of money
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Jul 29, 2019 05:05pm
@Lilly,
He was forgiven by almost all his fans in Pakistan. I met him after he came back to international cricket and told him he did something wrong, paid the price, and it was time to put the past behind him and prove his worth to the country again.
At the end of the day he is free to make his own choice.
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Jul 29, 2019 10:19pm
That is why you should never select or invest in a player who has been involved in match fixing. That whole thing tells you the person is greedy.
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