Mohammad Amir issues statement on Pakistan future

The left-arm seamer, who retired from international cricket in December 2020 having cited being "mentally tortured", took to social media on Sunday (March 24) to address the subject

Nick Howson | 24/03/2024 at 15:01

Mohammad Amir is on the brink of a Pakistan return after making himself available for the men's T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States this June.

Amir, 31, retired from international cricket in December 2020 and accused the PCB of leaving him "mentally tortured".

But just over three years on the left-arm seamer is set to return to the fold.

He wrote on social media: "I still dream to play for Pakistan! Life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions.

I still dream to play for Pakistan!

life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions, There has been few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan after…
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) March 24, 2024

"There has been few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan.

"After discussing with family and well-wishers I declare that I am available to be considered for the upcoming T20WC. I want do this for my country as it comes before my personal decisions.

"Donning the green jersey and serving my country has always been, and will continue to be my greatest aspirations."

Despite having not played for Pakistan in three-and-a-half years, Amir is Pakistan's 10th-highest T20I wicket-taker with 59. Having spent the last few years galavanting across the franchise circuit he has racked up 325 in all men's T20 cricket, the 17th most in the format's history.

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Pakistan begin a lap of honour after claiming the 2009 T20 World Cup (Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

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Amir inspired Champions Trophy glory in 2017 (Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

In 2010, involvement in the spot-fixing scandal during the Lord's Test saw him jailed for six months (he was served three) and banned for five years by the ICC, though he returned to domestic cricket eight months ahead of schedule.

Either side of that episode he helped deliver Pakistan two major trophies; the 2009 men's T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy in 2017, both staged in England.

The latter was secured courtesy of a pulsating victory over arch rivals India at the Kia Oval.

Two years later he retired from Test cricket and then turned his back on Pakistan after 147 appearances across formats, appearing to take issue with his management under a coaching team led by Misbah-ul-Haq, the former captain who had previously served as both head coach and chief selector following the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

Though the U-turn will be welcomed by Pakistan, it denies Derbyshire of his services for the start of the new county season.

I would like to say thank you to mickey for being understanding @Mickeyarthurcr1 @DerbyshireCCC see you on the other side soon.
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) March 24, 2024

Originally scheduled to arrive for the first part of the County Championship season and the T20 Blast group stage between April and July, he will not be available until after the World Cup, the club, who are now seeking an alternative overseas player, have confirmed.

“In terms of an early season replacement, there are a few options we can explore and I’ve had encouraging conversations already today, but we won’t rush into a knee-jerk decision," said head of cricket Mickey Arthur, the ex-Pakistan head coach and team director.

Pakistan have nine matches to fine-tune preparations for the tournament, five against New Zealand in April and four in England from mid-May before their campaign begins against the United States in Dallas on June 6.

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