Mohammad Amir hits back at critics over domestic cricket absence

Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have reversed their international retirement ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, featuring in recent matches against New Zealand and earning spots in the squad for upcoming T20I fixtures against Ireland and England.

In response to critics questioning their selection due to a lack of recent domestic cricket participation, Amir defended their inclusion by highlighting their consistent participation and performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), emphasizing that the PSL serves as Pakistan's premier domestic T20 event.

“There has been a lot of criticism by some people on me and Imad being selected without playing domestic cricket,” Amir said.

 “I ask them what is Pakistan’s premier domestic T20 event? The PSL. And both of us (Imad) have played and performed in the PSL besides appearing regularly in other leagues. So what is wrong with selecting us for the T20 format?” he questioned.

However, Amir maintained that for formats like Tests or ODIs, prior experience in domestic cricket is crucial.

“I myself have always said players must get experience in domestic first class and other events to be considered for the national team. But in our case we are only playing T20 cricket and our form and fitness is there for all to see,” he said.

He also confirmed that Mohammad Hafeez, the former director of the Pakistan team, had approached him about reconsidering his retirement, but citing uncertainties within the cricket board and team then, he opted to stay out of international cricket.

“It was nice of him (he was director of Pakistan team) and he said I could still play for Pakistan but I told him that given the uncertainty in the cricket board and team I would prefer to remain out of international cricket,” he concluded.