End of an Era for Two Pakistani Stars
Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have announced their retirement from international cricket once again. The duo, who had previously reversed their retirement to participate in the 2024 T20 World Cup, confirmed their decisions on December 13 and 14, 2024, respectively.
Imad Wasim shared his decision first, calling it the conclusion of a “chapter” in his life. A day later, Mohammad Amir also revealed his “difficult decision” to step away from international cricket.
Official Announcements
Imad Wasim shared his heartfelt message on social media, stating:
“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket. Representing Pakistan on the world stage has been the greatest honor of my life, and every moment wearing the green jersey has been unforgettable.”
Mohammad Amir followed suit with a brief message, sharing his official retirement announcement on Twitter.
Tweet from Mohammad Amir
“Announcement of my retirement from international cricket.”
Final Appearances in the T20 World Cup 2024
The 2024 T20 World Cup, held in the USA and the Caribbean, marked the final international appearance for both Imad and Amir. Their last game for Pakistan was a group-stage match against Ireland in Lauderhill on June 16, 2024.
Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s journey in the World Cup ended at the group stage. However, both players had respectable individual performances.
- Mohammad Amir:
- Matches: 4
- Wickets: 7 (Joint-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan)
- Economy Rate: 4.50
- Imad Wasim:
- Runs: 19 (Strike rate of 65.51)
- Wickets: 3
- Economy Rate: 4.00
While Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment, Imad and Amir’s individual performances were noted as positive contributions to the team’s efforts.
Life Beyond International Cricket
Both players are highly sought after in the T20 and T10 franchise leagues across the globe. Their ability to perform under pressure makes them valuable assets in franchise cricket.
- Imad Wasim: Recently played for Morrisville Samp Army, who were runners-up in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
- Mohammad Amir: Represented the New York Strikers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, though his team failed to make the playoffs.
Their consistent performances in global leagues mean they will likely continue to shine on the T20 and T10 circuit.
Why Did They Retire Again?
The exact reasons behind their retirements remain unclear. However, after Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, it seems that both players have decided to focus on franchise cricket rather than continue in the national setup.
With the rise of young talent and intense competition within Pakistan’s cricket team, it’s possible that both Imad and Amir saw better opportunities in the franchise leagues, where the schedules are shorter, the pay is higher, and the workload is less demanding.
Impact of Their Retirement on Pakistan Cricket
The departure of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim leaves a gap in Pakistan’s bowling department. Amir’s ability to swing the ball and his experience in pressure situations will be missed, while Imad’s role as an all-rounder provided Pakistan with a balanced option in both batting and bowling.
However, Pakistan’s cricket board (PCB) has been nurturing new talent, and there are capable replacements in the form of younger players who are ready to take on the challenge.
What’s Next for Amir and Imad?
With multiple franchise T20 and T10 leagues happening throughout the year, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim are likely to be in high demand.
- Franchise Opportunities: Expect to see them playing in leagues like the PSL, BPL, CPL, and various other global T20 and T10 tournaments.
- Coaching Roles: Some retired players opt for coaching roles or mentorship positions in T20 leagues, which could also be an option for both players.
Final Thoughts
The retirement of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim from international cricket marks the end of an era for Pakistan. Their contributions to Pakistan cricket, especially in high-pressure situations, will be remembered for years to come.
However, this may not be the last we see of them, as both players remain active in T20 and T10 franchise leagues worldwide. Fans of cricket will continue to watch them perform in leagues like the PSL, BPL, and others.
Stay tuned for more updates on cricket news, player retirements, and franchise league action at findcric.com.