Days after announcing his decision to retire from international cricket, Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir opened up on the reason as to why he chose to take this decision at the age of 28. Amir has held the Pakistan team management responsible for his decision to quit international cricket at 28 and slammed coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis for “spoiling” his image.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, left-arm pacer Amir made it clear that his problem was with Misbah and Younis. “Amir mentioned that these people have been trying to slowly poison people’s minds by saying that I didn’t want to play Test cricket and only wanted to play in T20 leagues to earn money. “They made a story that I had let down the team despite all the investment made in me,” Amir added.
“It was a very hard decision for me but I think the time has come when one shouldn’t keep quiet. I took this decision to raise this issue and let people know what is happening.”
Amir said that even after performing he was been ignored and obviously hurt when they didn’t select me even in 35 players for New Zealand.
They say they have nothing personal against me, but they didn’t have the courtesy to tell me directly as a senior player that they were dropping me or whether they had me in their plans.
Amir said he had been “tolerating this behaviour from the management since last year.
“What performances do they talk about…Since I came back I had a PSL hat trick, I bowled well in the Asia Cup and Champions Trophy, I was the highest wicket-taker in last year’s World Cup despite playing with a shoulder problem.
“I am still in the ICC bowlers rankings. I have given performances in leagues. What more can I do?”
Amir also hit back at his critics for reminding him of his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, saying he has paid for his mistake.
“Yes, I know that and I apologized for my actions to everyone. I also faced the consequences of my action. But I am not weak. I came back and faced everyone and I just tried to do my best for Pakistan.”
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The player said he was surprised at how some people could be “judgemental” about his retirement from Test cricket “without knowing anything” about him.
“When did I say I would prefer playing in leagues instead of playing for Pakistan. But when you are not being selected in the national team what else can I do except go and play in leagues and prove myself to everyone.”
Amir made it clear he could not have played with the current management or system in place. “I have my self-respect and I can’t compromise on that. I believe in giving respect, getting respect
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