Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir Retire (Again) from International Cricket

This seems to be for the better, for Mohammad Amir, one of the most famous Pakistan cricket players alongside Imad Wasim, has retired again from playing international cricket. The statements came on their respective days—from Friday, when Imad was found saying it was the closing of that particular chapter, to Saturday afternoon when Amir also made a ‘not-so-easy’ decision.

For fans, it’s déjà vu. Both players had retired from international cricket but came back early this year to play for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. Now, just a few months later, they’ve announced their retirement and are hanging up their green jerseys for good.

A Tough Goodbye

Imad and Amir last played for Pakistan when the team was at the T20 World Cup in June 2024. This tournament, being played in the USA and the Caribbean, did not quite turn out as well for Pakistan as they couldn’t cross the group stages.

Yet both of the players had a moment or two to be proud of. Amir, in particular, was one of Pakistan’s outstanding bowlers. He picked seven wickets from four games—sharing the team’s top spot with Haris Rauf—and a brilliant economy rate of 4.50. Imad Wasim was quiet at the bat as he managed just 19 runs. He, however, made amends with his quality bowling, as he claimed three wickets while leaking just four runs and an over.

Their last match for Pakistan, however, was against Ireland in Florida, a bittersweet end to their international career.

The Return That Hadn’t Gone Right This Year

Earlier this year, both Imad and Amir had reversed their decisions to retire to help Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. The discussion that followed was that plenty of people saw it as a step forward for the team, whereas others questioned whether it did the right thing.

Alas, Pakistan’s exit from the tournament early left very little room for redemption. Although both players gave their best, the team was a failure as a whole, and the tournament was lost in disappointment.

Jump ahead a few months, and Imad and Amir have both decided to take another break from international cricket. In his farewell message, Imad spoke of the journey he had: “The greatest honor of my life.” Amir too left a heartfelt note, calling each moment he spent representing Pakistan unforgettable.

Changing Gears to Franchise Cricket

Even though their international careers are now over, this does not mark the end of the road for Imad and Amir, who remain highly sought-after in T20 and T10 franchise leagues across the world, where experience and skills count.

They have most recently played in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. Imad was part of the Morrisville Samp Army. That team reached the finals while Amir was part of the New York Strikers, but their team did not get to the playoffs.

Expect both players to appear in action in leagues such as PSL, CPL, and a plethora of other tournaments.

Their influence on Pakistan Cricket

Imad and Amir have left their marks in Pakistan cricket in different ways.

Imad Wasim:

He has consistently provided a steady presence in Pakistan’s limited-overs teams. He delivers tight bowling spells and scores under pressure, often making understated but crucial contributions.

Mohammad Amir:

Amir’s journey has been nothing short of dramatic. From his rise as a teenage prodigy to the heartbreak of his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal and his eventual comeback, Amir’s career has been a rollercoaster. His ability to swing the ball and deliver in high-pressure situations earned him a reputation as one of the best left-arm pacers in the world.

A New Chapter

The retirement of Imad and Amir means the end of an era for Pakistan cricket. While their retirement is going to leave a vacuum in the team, it also brings an opportunity for younger players to fill this space and take their rightful places.

For fans, it’s not goodbye. Imad and Amir will continue their talent in franchise cricket with a continued thrill to fans all over the world. Their contributions to Pakistan cricket will never be forgotten, and their future adventures in leagues such as PSL will keep them in the limelight.

Their story is of passion, resilience, and love for the game. It closes the chapter on international careers, but as it does so, Imad and Amir leave a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

And to Imad and Amir, this may be the final chapter of their travel under this color, but for sure, cricketing life is much too far ahead. Fans will have to watch, cheer, and celebrate them, irrespective of where they go on playing.