The former Pakistan fast bowler, who joined Wasim Akram in expressing his concern, stated the 27-year-old's decision has exposed "the mentality of the players"
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said that he is "thoroughly disappointed" by Mohammad Amir's decision to retire from Test match cricket.
The 27-year-old left-armer announced his decision to stop playing red-ball cricket for Pakistan on Thursday, citing his desire to focus on white-ball cricket as the reason behind the decision.
However, Akhtar maintained that his decision was a representation of the current mentality of the players, and that his disappointment stems from the fact that he believes Amir owed his country something in return after they invested in him on his retrun from his spot-fixing ban.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akhtar said: "I am thoroughly disappointed that Amir has retired at the age where players are at the peak of their careers.
Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from Tests on Friday
"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.
"I don't understand what is happening with the Pakistan team. How could Mohammad Amir retire at the age of 27?
"Pakistan has invested so much on him and brought him out of the match-fixing scandal to the national side and is trying to give him chances. Now that he was in good form, he has retired."
The 43-year-old also expressed concern about the immediate future of Pakistan's fast bowling, and believes Amir may have set a dangerous precedent that others could follow.
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"Mohammad Amir retirement could be followed by Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz and Junaid Khan's retirement.
"Amir, Wahab, Ali, all these players want to play only in the T20s. Playing in the ODIs also seems to be a huge task for them.
"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 Pakistan PM Imran Khan to look into the matter to bring dynamic and energetic people."
Akhtar was also joined by fellow former Pakistan paceman Wasim Akram in commenting on Amir's decision, with the 53-year-old admitting his surprise at the news.
To me Mohammad Amir retiring from Test cricket is a bit surprising because you peak at 27-28 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 and then three in England.
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) July 26, 2019
"To me Mohammad Amir retiring from Test cricket is a bit surprising because you peak at 27-28 and Test cricket is where you are judged against the best, it's the ultimate format," he tweeted.
Amir played 36 Tests for Pakistan and took 119 wickets at an average of 30.47.
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