Mohammad Hafeez, the new director of Pakistan team, revealed that he had personally called Mohammad Amir asking him to come out of retirement and prove himself at domestic cricket if he wanted to play for the country.
Hafeez explained that that Amir turned down the chance to return to international cricket and has has moved on. He further added that Amir said that he was is happy with what he is doing presently.
Notably, Amir announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2019 and from all formats of the game the following 2021. Since then, he has played in all franchise cricket.
Mohammad Hafeez said in a press conference: “I called Amir, I told that if he wanted to play for Pakistan, he has to first take his retirement back. ‘Go back to domestic cricket and perform. Then, the selection committee will assess your performances and select you. Once you return to Pakistan, I will assure that you will get equal opportunities’, I told him.”
Hafeez added, “He said he had already moved on. He believes his priorities has changed, his life has changed. And we have to respect his decision. He told me he feels better playing at international leagues. He does not want to start from the scratch again. That is his decision, and we have to respect that.”
Notably, Pakistan is all set to play three Tests in Australia with the first Test beginning on December 14 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
(With PTI Inputs)
