Mohammad Amir, Pakistan’s fast bowler, made himself eligible for the forthcoming Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday, more than three years after retiring from international cricket.
In December 2020, the left-arm bowler announced his international retirement at the age of 28, stating that he could no longer play under the management and was being “tortured mentally”.
The 31-year-old was convicted in 2011 for his role in a spot-fixing scandal, serving three months in prison and a five-year suspension from all forms of cricket before rejoining the Pakistan squad in January 2016.
Amir, who was a member of the 2009 T20 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy winning team, has since retired and played in franchise T20 leagues.
“I still dream of playing for Pakistan!” Amir wrote on social networking platform X. “Life brings us to the points where, at times, we have to reconsider our decisions.” There have been a few nice meetings between myself and the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board), during which they respectfully assured me that I was still required and could play for Pakistan.
“After discussing with family and well wishers, I declare that I am available to be considered for upcoming T20 World Cup, I want do this for my country as it comes before my personal decisions…”
Since making his debut in 2009, Amir has played 36 tests, 61 One-Day Internationals, and 50 Twenty20s for Pakistan. All-rounder Imad Wasim, 35, has also altered his retirement decision and will compete in the T20 World Cup starting Saturday.
