Former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul recently shared his thoughts on Mohammad Amir’s decision to retire from international cricket, highlighting the importance of personal accountability and responsibility. Gul, a key member of Pakistan’s victorious 2009 T20 World Cup team, expressed surprise at Amir’s retirement and encouraged him to take ownership of his actions.
In an interview with a local cricket website, Gul stated, “It’s not uncommon for players to face challenges when their performance falls short. However, it’s important to remember that you can’t always pinpoint a specific coach or factor as the sole reason for being dropped. Instead, it’s better to hold yourself accountable and take responsibility.” He emphasized that self-reflection and accountability present an opportunity for personal growth and improvement. Gul believes that embracing these challenges can ultimately enhance one’s performance.
Regarding Amir’s potential comeback, Gul expressed his skepticism. He questioned the possibility of Amir reclaiming his spot in the national side, given the competition from other talented fast bowlers like Hassan Ali and Mohammad Hasnain. Gul highlighted that Pakistan already has a pool of four to five regular fast bowlers, and adopting a rotation policy, as seen in the recent series against New Zealand, allowed each bowler to perform well. Gul acknowledged that Ihsanullah’s elbow injury prevented him from getting a fair opportunity but emphasized that Pakistan has numerous options in the pace department.
Amir had retired from international cricket in 2020, citing mental torture from the team management at the time. During his international career, he represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 50 T20Is.
Gul’s comments shed light on the importance of taking personal responsibility and striving for improvement, while also acknowledging the competition and depth in Pakistan’s fast bowling department.
