By Zainab Shafiq 
The cricketing world experienced a surprising twist this weekend as Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, two key players in the team, announced their retirement from international cricket. Earlier this year, they had also returned to play for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. Fans are now once again revisiting the list of Amir’s retirements and controversies, looking back at his storied career, full of ups and downs.
Imad Wasim went public on Friday, referring to the move as closing a “chapter.” Mohammad Amir followed suit on Saturday, terming his move “difficult but necessary.” Both these exits conclude their international sojourn after the bittersweet World Cup campaign. This blog discusses a list of Amir’s retirements and controversies that kept him in the headlines throughout his career.
Most Infamous Chapter of Amir’s Career
The most infamous chapter in Mohammad Amir’s career was the 2010 Lord’s spot-fixing scandal that shook the cricketing world. He, along with teammates Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, was accused of bowling deliberate no-balls during a Test match against England when he was just 18 years old.
The incident resulted in Amir serving a five-year ban from cricket and a short period in prison. Despite the controversy, he made a remarkable comeback to international cricket in 2016, reclaiming his place as one of Pakistan’s most talented pacers. However, the scandal remains a significant blemish on an otherwise illustrious career.
Amir’s Retirement Decisions Timeline
For cricket fans, the number of retirement statements from Amir over the years reveals an interesting career graph of his.
July 2019: Test Cricket Retirement
Amir resigned from Test cricket at the tender age of 27 to focus on limited-overs formats. Although his Test career was promising enough, having taken 119 wickets, the grueling format cost him a lot.
December 2020: First International Retirement
Amir quit all formats of international cricket due to “mental torture” at the hands of the management. He had already voiced his dissatisfaction with the system in Pakistan, especially with coaches Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis before he took the decision.
March 2024: Brief Return of Dreams
Earlier this year, Amir wanted to play for Pakistan once again. He was driven by positive discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board. This came into reality when he was picked up for the T20 World Cup team. He said,
“I still dream of playing for Pakistan. There have been a few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan, and after discussing with family and well-wishers I declare that I am available to be considered for the upcoming T20 WC,”
December 2024 Final Retirement
Amir’s second and final exit from international cricket was announced this weekend. He stressed the need to pass the baton to the next generation of players.
Imad Wasim’s Legacy: A Quiet Yet Impactful Career
Though Mohammad Amir’s career has often been in the spotlight, Imad Wasim’s journey has been quieter but equally valuable. A dependable bowling all-rounder, Imad contributed in crucial moments for Pakistan, particularly in T20s. His ability to bowl economically in the powerplay and his steady leadership skills in franchise leagues have solidified his reputation.
Imad’s parting words were, “This chapter comes to an end,” reflecting on the satisfaction he has with his contribution to Pakistan cricket. Like Amir, he too will be thriving in franchise cricket, thereby ensuring his fans can continue to watch him on the field.
Imad Wasim Biography | Imad Wasim profile | Imad Wasim Net Worth
A Review of Their T20 World Cup Campaign
Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir played their last matches for Pakistan in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 against Ireland. Pakistan could not move beyond the group, but the two had shown some decent individual performances.
Amir was again notable for his pace and economy: this time, he was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan with seven scalps in four matches, an average economy rate of 4.50. Imad bagged three wickets as well, but more notably still, at an economical rate of 4.00. However, his batting: scoring only 19 runs and averaging a strike rate of just 65.51 didn’t quite cut it.
Their World Cup endeavors had, at times, flashed elements of the quality that made them indispensable to Pakistan’s cricketing scheme of things, but it now seems the end is well and truly written on their careers in international cricket.
End of an Era for Pakistan Cricket
Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim retiring simultaneously mark a shift in Pakistan cricket. With the team moving on to a new, younger lineup, these experienced players are leaving behind their legacy of skill, resilience, and passion. Their fans may miss them, but the promise of fresh talent will keep hope alive for the future.
Cricket enthusiasts will now be following Amir and Imad in the franchise leagues, where the experience and skill of players will most definitely shine. Exits remind one of sports’ cyclical nature – every end means a new beginning.
Franchise Cricket: The Next Chapter
Even though they are leaving the international scene, Imad and Amir are still in high demand in the franchise leagues. They recently featured in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament. Imad played for Morrisville Samp Army, who reached the final, while Amir played for New York Strikers, who narrowly missed the playoffs.
Franchise cricket has gradually become a safe haven for players with experience, and Imad and Amir are not exempt. Their capability to deliver under pressure ensures they will continue to be useful to teams across the world. The freedom to focus exclusively on shorter formats means that fans will witness more of their craft in leagues across the world.
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