‘I never said I don't want to represent Pakistan’: Amir hits back at Hafeez

Ex-Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has hit back at veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, after the latter’s statement on the former’s retirement from international cricket.

Few days back, Amir had taken an indefinite break from international cricket after reservations with the national team management.

“Right now I am leaving cricket. I am being mentally tortured. I don’t think, I will be able to handle this kind of torture because I have been tortured a lot from 2010 to 2015,” Amir said while speaking to a local news channel.

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When Hafeez was questioned about Amir’s retirement, he refrained from sharing his opinion on the matter.

“I’m sorry, this is a personal decision and in my opinion personal decisions should be respected. If someone doesn’t want to represent Pakistan, the so be it,” said Hafeez during an interview.

Responding to Hafeez’s statement, Amir said: “U [you] are wrong brother. I never said I don't want to represent Pakistan. I said I can't play for Pakistan with this management. U [you] doing good for Pakistan right now, so enjoy that.”

u are wrong brother I never said I don't want to represent Pakistan I said I can't play for Pakistan with this management u doing good for Pakistan right now so enjoy that 😊

— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) December 26, 2020

It must be noted that Hafeez, together with former captain Azhar Ali, walked out of the training camp set up before the series against New Zealand in January 2016, citing Amir’s spot-fixing past as the reason. However, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan intervened, both players agreed to be a part of the camp.

Hafeez, later, clarified why he opposed left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir’s comeback in the national team.

“I believe that there was some confusion about the whole issue,” said Hafeez. “Let me make it clear that what I expressed then was what can only be described as a principled stance, not taken against the individual, but rather against his actions. If anyone indulges in such activity, I will be the first one to raise my hand and question their inclusion. Now, since it came down to ensuring that the interest of Pakistan team is served well, and if everyone accepted Amir back in the fold then I had no objections.”