Bowler Mohammad Amir announces retirement from Test cricket
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Mohammad Amir on Friday announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect, but reaffirmed his commitment to playing white ball cricket for Pakistan.
In a statement shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Amir said: “It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game. I, however, have decided to move away from the longer version so I can concentrate on white ball cricket."
The cricketer also shared a video on YouTube in which he explained his decision to the fans and cited the five-year gap in playing cricket due to the ban for spot-fixing as the main reason.
“Playing for Pakistan remains my ultimate desire and objective, and I will try my best to be in the best physical shape to contribute in the team’s upcoming challenges, including next year’s ICC T20 World Cup," said the fast bowler — who earned praise for his performance in the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2019 — in the statement.
Read: Pakistan's World Cup campaign — who was the weakest link?
The 27-year-old cricketer shared that he was considering retirement from the format "for some time", adding that it "has not been an easy decision to make".
"But with the ICC World Test Championship commencing shortly, and Pakistan boasting some very exciting young fast bowlers, it is appropriate that I call on my time in Test cricket so that the selectors can plan accordingly.
“I want to thank all my team-mates as well the opponents in red ball cricket. It has been a privilege to play with and against them. I am sure our paths will continue to cross in limited-overs cricket as all of us play and compete with the same vigour and determination."
Amir also thanked the PCB for providing him "the opportunity to don the golden star on my chest".
"I am grateful to my coaches who have groomed me at various stages of my career,” said the bowler.
Amir made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle in July 2009. He featured in 36 Tests, taking 119 wickets at an average of 30.47. His best bowling returns — six for 44 — were against the West Indies in Kingston in April 2017.
In a statement issued by the board, PCB Managing Director Wasim Khan said: “Amir has been one of the most exciting and talented left-arm fast bowlers in Test cricket in recent times. He overcame adversity as a young cricketer and came back stronger not only as a cricketer but also as a better human being.
"His skill, on the field, and his personality will be missed in the dressing room in the longer format. However, we respect his decision and look forward to him continuing to play an integral role in white ball cricket for Pakistan.”
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On DawnNews
Comments (110) Closed
Jul 26, 2019 03:09pm
Big decision! Best of Luck!
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Jul 26, 2019 03:10pm
He had a lot talent. But PCB could not handle him.
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Jul 26, 2019 03:11pm
Exceptional fast bowler.Will bemissed
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Jul 26, 2019 03:13pm
Hope he doesn't turn out to be Junior Afridi to take back his resignation tomorrow. But a terrific young chap, not probably looked after well. He is too young to use the term 'Retire'.
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Jul 26, 2019 03:15pm
Guess the difficult past demotivated him a bit!
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Jul 26, 2019 03:15pm
He should also retire from ODI's . Just focus on T20
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Jul 26, 2019 03:23pm
Good riddance as he was a liability on test format.
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Jul 26, 2019 03:24pm
PCB should prefer to play only those players in the shorter formate who make themselves available for all 3 formats. His decision is based on greed of freeing himself from tests to play more T20 leagues around the world and this decision should not be rewarded.
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Jul 26, 2019 03:33pm
There could be a financial angle to the decision. However, he is very talented; just made some poor choices early in his career and was unfortunately surrounded by some unethical seniors.
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Jul 26, 2019 03:40pm
It's a dangerous decision for Pakistan. He should rethink. He is young multi talented bowler so he should serve the country few years more. PCB must find out the reasons behind this.
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Jul 26, 2019 03:41pm
Good decision. Now TV ads will welcome him.
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Jul 26, 2019 03:49pm
Exceptionally good bowler. Too young to be retired from any form of cricket. Best of luck to him.
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Jul 26, 2019 03:54pm
What nonsense, retirement from test cricket at age of 27 year for swing bowler..!!!
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Jul 26, 2019 03:55pm
This not the game of squash where a 27 year old has to retire.
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Jul 26, 2019 03:57pm
Worst decision to retire from pure cricket. I guess with so many t20 leagues around the world, more will prefer to retire from test cricket and eventually it will breathe its last breath soon.
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Jul 26, 2019 03:57pm
A very wise decision. Test cricket is a dead format, played in empty stadiums.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:02pm
He will change his mind tomorrow :D
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Jul 26, 2019 04:04pm
I think, PCB should not allow any player to get retirement from only one specific game format.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:08pm
Why man ? I dont really understand. While there is a lot of appeal in 20-20 and 50 over cricket, test cricket is the real deal especially for a fast bowler. You have been wrongly advised.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:09pm
Case of getting caught of false age. He was never 17 when he debuted. He was good 22 when he made his debut, now he is 33 not 27, thats the reason his pace is downhill.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:11pm
A responsible and mature decision. It reinforces the proposal that except for tare exceptional few players, team in each format must be composed of players with skill set and mid set compatible with the game format.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:12pm
Good decision, nobody is watching test cricket. Batting is easy which means batsman makes bowlers bowls 100+ overs while they stand on crease and block the ball.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:14pm
Taking easier route. Bowl 2 to 3 spells of 4 to 5 overs each in ODI and 2 overs each in T 20. Done.
No hard work as needed in test cricket. I am afraid players like him who cherry pick are eventually dropped from all formats. I think he is moving to England with his family and his priorities have changed
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Jul 26, 2019 04:14pm
Test cricket is real cricket. Ture Cricketer never gives up test cricket to enhance his cricketing career. A sign of a dying cricket star.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:15pm
Premature retirement. He had lots going for him. And why only white ball. Amir should play test cricket in fact.
He is in his prime
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Jul 26, 2019 04:15pm
One of best FAST BOWLER Pakistan produced for a long long time,And it must the Management that forces him to retire at his peak.Pakistan need to sort the management sorting out and concentrating on new young bloods to be ready for the forth coming crickets.What ever you do Amir we all wish you best of luck.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:21pm
A talented cricketer's career spoiled by own & others mistakes.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:21pm
Age 27 and wants to only white ball cricket
.I thought Players do that only when they are physically not that fit.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:22pm
A stupid decision. PCB should ban him from one day cricket
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Jul 26, 2019 04:29pm
He made his debut in 2009 but played only 36 tests. I'm not a regular follower of the game, but this seems like he was not a natural selection for the team.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:32pm
Greed of playing T20 leagues around the globe looks motivational factor behind his early retirement decision.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:34pm
Just because there is T20 championship around the corner that is not a reason to retire but then again not many have greatness in their destiny.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:37pm
@Sanju, He had ? He has a lot of talent.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:38pm
@Right, in the UAE, like most of the world's fast bowlers. But, a serious talent by his contribution, and dart enough to announce his retirement from Tests, smart guy!
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Jul 26, 2019 04:38pm
Good decision . Right time to start other career in UK like coaching or some other usefull sports related activities.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:43pm
Best of luck
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Jul 26, 2019 04:49pm
Good decision and very focused, best of luck
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Jul 26, 2019 04:49pm
Good decision
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Jul 26, 2019 04:50pm
It is time for Shaheen to shine in test cricket.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:53pm
@Sanju, - He couldn't handle himself. PCB not at fault at all. He was ok until the ban. After that he struggled. Still a big game player. Well done to him for realising he is struggling in the long format and sticking to limited overs.
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Jul 26, 2019 04:57pm
Wishing to get more time for different t20 leagues and earn more, not a suitable guy for national duty
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Jul 26, 2019 05:03pm
Best of luck Amir. I am a fan of test cricket and you will be definitely missed. From an Indian fan.
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Jul 26, 2019 05:06pm
20/20 is where the money is at.
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Jul 26, 2019 05:06pm
classy decision, hope to see him in shorter format.
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Jul 26, 2019 05:11pm
@Newborn, which shows he hasn’t learned anything . Still running after that .
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Jul 26, 2019 05:17pm
Amir has been one of the finest bowlers in recent times.In a way he was fortunate to have been a second chance even after he was involved in a fixing scandal.generally i feel t20 and odi 's are most exciting formats and it is only natural that amir would like to play more t20s to make money which has to be made to sustain himself. Gud luck amir.
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Jul 26, 2019 05:29pm
What else can he say or do to stay in limelight to divert and deflect attention from his teams miserable performance in recently ended WC in historic England and Wales and to avoid screams by neutral, unbiased, independent, non-partisan and third party cricket experts, scholars, administrators, analysts, players, fans, sponsors, supporters, promoters and managers ?
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Jul 26, 2019 05:30pm
That's not a good decision for Amir and Pakistan. He should stop playing T20 and ODIs and concentrate on his test career.
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Jul 26, 2019 05:48pm
Play for a country
So he can play t20 league and make more money
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Jul 26, 2019 05:49pm
Great, timely and penetrating decision as one must retire when at top and not when he or she becomes a flop like Dhoni.
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Jul 26, 2019 05:49pm
Any ways , Aamir's performance in test cricket is below average, all the best for rest of your cricketing career.
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Jul 26, 2019 05:54pm
he will come out of retirement soon... Habitual with all Pakistanis
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Jul 26, 2019 05:58pm
A true cricketer always give importance to test cricket first than odi & t20. He is running for money only.
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Jul 26, 2019 06:00pm
One of the best bowlers of the world. However he is taking retirement a bit to early. He should be inspired by IK and learn to hang on till he is needed by his country
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Jul 26, 2019 06:01pm
@mohd Azee,
yes or even a bit more. He never looked that young on debut. He is very close in age to Asif
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Jul 26, 2019 06:03pm
I am saddened by his decision.. used test wtaches because of him. He will be badly missed ..was pleasure watching him bowl the red cherry ..one of the finest test bowlers I have ever seen in my last 24 years cricket following. His prowess against mighty Australians, English, kiwi and west Indian batsmen was examlry.
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Jul 26, 2019 06:06pm
It means we will not see a good contest between Amir and Kohli like Sachin Vs. Akram/Shoib/Waqar/Aqib and Sehwag/Shoib
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Jul 26, 2019 06:06pm
Amir has taken right decision at right time. He is no more a lethal bowler in subcontinent conditions. Nowadays he is good only in english pitches and that too on shorter form of cricket. He doesn't have much fitness to play 5 days cricket where he has to bowl entire day from one end.
By retiring test cricket, he can focus on his game with white ball where yorker, slower ball etc plays a big role to stop run flow.
Anyway, more promising bowlers are in waiting to get their spot on Pak national team.
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Jul 26, 2019 06:07pm
You messed it up my friend. I hope it works for you.
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Jul 26, 2019 06:10pm
Wise decision all the best Aamir bhi
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Jul 26, 2019 06:36pm
This is one of many signs of death of test cricket.
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Jul 26, 2019 07:01pm
Very good decision.
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Jul 26, 2019 07:13pm
they may not select him for odi
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Jul 26, 2019 07:13pm
At this stage he is still potent at seam pitches as already recently proved in England. Unfortunately, prior to England tour, PCB used him DEAD pitches where he could not perform, and his body took a toll because of that bad planning. He (still) can be used in TEST matches in seam pitches like South Africa and NZ and Australia.
He made a good decision (regardless) to restrict and focus on limited overs games. But, PCB should not damage his career by putting him on dead pitches like Dubai and sub-continent.
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Jul 26, 2019 07:13pm
test cricket wastes a fast baller especially playing on dead UAE pitches. Good decision. You can get your form back in ODIs.
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Jul 26, 2019 07:16pm
I respect your decision. You are a true Pakistani you have proved it in your career.
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Jul 26, 2019 07:27pm
A 27 year old bowler has decided to retire from test cricket.....what a shame? Difficult to understand why a young fast bowler won't like to bowl in test match....T20 will ruin cricket.....nobody likes to work hard.....bowl 4 overs and make more money....why work hard for 5 days for less money? Very bad for pakistan.....
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Jul 26, 2019 07:34pm
A simple down to earth person
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Jul 26, 2019 07:39pm
Average red ball bowler who only excelled early on bcz of the pressure put on my Asif from
Other end in helpful conditions. He knows he won’t make much impact in red ball esp with his limited swing, back of length and average pace so has made the right decision for himself. Don’t think this decision will have any impact on the Pakistani test team at all!
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Jul 26, 2019 07:39pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, for once I agree with you. Indian fan.
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Jul 26, 2019 07:41pm
@Jehengir khan, A 27 year old bowler has decided to retire from test cricket.....what a shame?
His goal of life is different and it is fixed.
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Jul 26, 2019 07:43pm
Please take back your resignation.
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Jul 26, 2019 08:07pm
In pakistan retirement means no cricket for next 2 months
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Jul 26, 2019 08:19pm
Tezt matches against good batting sides help you polish your skills. He will regret this decision and slowly fade out from international cricket
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Jul 26, 2019 08:24pm
He should have mentioned the number of months he will be in retirement
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Jul 26, 2019 08:25pm
good decision
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Jul 26, 2019 08:51pm
Why? He’s only 27?
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Jul 26, 2019 08:58pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, You should support him, instead pulling the one liners you always do here
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Jul 26, 2019 09:01pm
@mohd Azee, He is two years older than his age,as per what geoff Lawson said when he was coach of pakistan in 2009.
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Jul 26, 2019 09:17pm
Good decision show me any true pace bowler then Mitchel Starc in international cricket? on top of that to deal with dead pitches in UAE fast bowlers are declining in cricket rapidly
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Jul 26, 2019 09:30pm
I don’t blame him. Playing in the UAE in their flat batsmen friendly wicket is not the best incentive,
The game is more in favour of the batsmen, and it’s hard on bowlers, the 5 days Test match is big grind for any fast bowlers. Fast bowlers over the years have done badly in UAE where attendances have been poor.
Pakistan should play their home cricket in England
UAE has done nothing to improve Pakistan’s
cricket, the wickets in England generally give the
the batsmen and bowlers a fair game. With do
Pakistani in the UK it will always be financially feasible.
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Jul 26, 2019 09:38pm
Clean bowled PCB.
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Jul 26, 2019 09:42pm
He's only 27 and wants to stop playing the ultimate form if the game. Shows the sad state of cricket in the subcontinent when a premier bowler at his peak wants to focus on a dumb down base ball version of the game
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Jul 26, 2019 09:48pm
@TBH, Hahahaha absolutely correct
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Jul 26, 2019 10:09pm
Good luck Amir in your future endeavors!
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Jul 26, 2019 10:40pm
Great decision, instead of trying to burn your self for longer format you opted to sit it out. Best of Luck. You are one of the best in the world.
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Jul 26, 2019 11:09pm
He should retire full stop. He doesn't have the skill for test cricket anyway.
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Jul 26, 2019 11:10pm
@Milind, he doesn't have the skill for test cricket.
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Jul 26, 2019 11:12pm
Retirement from Test Cricket at 27, is this a joke? Pakistan provided an opportunity to Amir and invested a lot in him after he was involved in acts that gave Pakistan a very bad name. PCB should learn from this and in the future ban these players from life. It is very obvious he wants to play T-20 cricket and make all the money he can without any consideration that he is representing and playing for Pakistan. If I were PCB I would exclude him from Pakistan ODI and T-20. If I were Amir I would have talked to Javed Miandad, Rashid Latif, Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akthur before making this decision.
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Jul 26, 2019 11:12pm
@khabboo, not true. He hid behind the class of mhd Asif. Now he has been found out.
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Jul 26, 2019 11:13pm
@Bilal Khan, amir doesn't have skill for test cricket.it is called test cricket for a reason.
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Jul 26, 2019 11:37pm
@Shahryar Shirazi, 25
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Jul 27, 2019 01:30am
Best of luck for your future endeavor! You are a great example for youngsters, a mistake can happen by anyone especially in teenage but you should have the courage to accept it, learn from it and avoid it to repeat.
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Jul 27, 2019 01:52am
Ye is still a match fixer
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Jul 27, 2019 02:01am
Hasty. Reverse it please.
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Jul 27, 2019 02:03am
Good decision.
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Jul 27, 2019 02:17am
@Ajay, what is your problem . It is Amir’s decision .
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Jul 27, 2019 02:18am
@Raisin , nonsense , he has proved himself and retires at the top of his game . Most would hang around until it is too late
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Jul 27, 2019 02:19am
@Right, you could not be more wrong
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Jul 27, 2019 02:21am
@Kisu, why do people think negative about a personal decision that the bowler has made .
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Jul 27, 2019 03:21am
I suspect he will be back
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Jul 27, 2019 04:44am
Good luck brother. You gave us great memories. Can totally relate to what you are saying. After a gap of 5 years you did well to make a comeback. Considering ones limitations fitness wise this will he a good decision for you.
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Jul 27, 2019 06:24am
Test cricket has little money as compared to One Day and T20.... But you need to be highly skilled like Bumrah in playing Test Cricket and that's what Amir lacked..
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Jul 27, 2019 06:36am
@Shahid, If a players heart isn't in it, there really is no point that they play that format. You can't force people to play. Hopefully we will get to see some new talented bowlers.
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Jul 27, 2019 06:40am
@Shahid, Atleast its honest earnings. T20 leagues have given a new lifeline to careers of cricketers. Let him be.
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Jul 27, 2019 08:43am
He finally got the message that he was not wellcome the way his catches were dropped he will ply his trade in the lucrative t20 format.
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Jul 27, 2019 10:30am
Well, for me he was hero and zero )at some stage) as well. He could have been as BIG star as 2 Ws, or any other fast bowler. Due to his lesser training / education, he got trapped for few 00, or 000 pounds for that infamous NO ball. He recovered from that - but t his team mates were never comfortable. He was victim of MOST dropped catches. People had forgiven him, but "few players" did not forget. To cut short he had a tainted career. I do not know what is his future. He married to an English lady - her solicitor - of Pakistani origin. The best suggestion for him would be that he starts sports goods business.
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Jul 27, 2019 05:00pm
Is he really 28?
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Jul 27, 2019 07:32pm
Very poor act by Amir....he has let the fans and nation down....this was the time to pay back the nation for all support...he should have learnt from Imran Khan and our dear soldiers who give their lives every day
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Jul 27, 2019 07:40pm
Sorry we don’t need selfish individuals....he committed a crime and needed to pay back the nation and he has not furthermore he took a valuable place from some other poor cricketer...who may have been more nationalistic like our PM and Shoaib Akthar..he should not be allowed to played any international cricket full stop....
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