Legendary Pakistan cricketer Inzamam-ul-Haq said that Mohammad Amir’s controversial retirement from international cricket earlier this month will have a negative impact on Pakistan cricket's image.
Recently, Amir retired from international cricket due to unfair treatment by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and conflicts with the Pakistan team management comprising of head coach Misbah-Ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis.
He played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 50 T20Is from 2009 to 2020 for Pakistan. He was also banned from 2010-2015 due to his admittance of involvement in the spot-fixing scandal of 2010.
Speaking to the media in Lahore on Thursday (December 24), Inzamam, former Pakistan captain, and chief selector said he is bothered about the negative impact such incidents have on Pakistan cricket, and Amir’s incident didn't reflect well on their cricket.
He further pointed out that Amir’s retirement will not have a huge impact on Pakistan’s bowling resources, but will negatively impact Pakistan cricket and its image and he hopes such incidents wouldn’t take place in the future for the betterment of their cricketing arena.
Inzamam told the media: “It is not about what impact Amir’s decision will have on our bowling resources or strength because life moves on. But what bothers me more is the negative impact such incidents have on our cricket and its image. It is better if such situations don't take place.”
Meanwhile, Inzamam has admitted that Amir has had issues with Waqar but it needs to be sorted out and the pacer should have used all his options before taking such a drastic step.
Inzamam further explained, “If he is unhappy with one or two persons in the team management he should have first spoken openly with the head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq, and if required even the Pakistan Cricket Board officials before deciding on what to do.”
He signed off by saying, “He appears to have issues with Waqar (Younis bowling coach) and if his grievances were not listened to then he should have adopted this route.”
(With PTI Inputs)
