Former Pakistan left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has revealed the reasons behind his early retirement from international cricket, citing alleged bias in team selection and mistreatment by former team management.
Speaking on a private television channel’s programme regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, Amir recalled the challenges he faced during his career, particularly during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Pakistan was going to New Zealand during COVID. Forty players were selected, but my name was not there,” he stated, implying that his exclusion was deliberate.
The 32-year-old fast bowler also alleged that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was used as a means to sideline him and veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik. According to Amir, the national squad was announced ahead of the tournament to prevent them from putting in strong performances that could have earned them a recall.
“PSL was about to start, but they announced the team early so that Amir and Malik wouldn't perform well and they wouldn't have to take us,” he said.
Amir also took aim at former head coach Waqar Younis, accusing him of making biased decisions against him. He further claimed that certain cricketers from the 1990s actively tried to derail his career.
“A former cricketer from the 90s tried his best to destroy my career,” Amir remarked, without naming anyone.
Reflecting on his PSL performances, Amir highlighted his Super Over for Karachi Kings that played a key role in taking the team to the final. He said that despite his strong performances, a former member of the coaching staff, also from the 1990s, kept him out of the squad, leading to widespread criticism.
“Everyone was asking him why Amir was not in the New Zealand squad despite performing well,” Amir said.
He further alleged that the coach had given a vague response, saying, ‘He is in our plans, but we need to keep him under pressure for now. We will see later.’
Amir initially announced his retirement from international cricket in 2020, citing mistreatment from the management. However, he reversed his decision ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 and was recalled to the national team.
On December 14, 2024, Amir retired from international cricket once again, marking the end of his controversial career with Pakistan.
