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Pakistan's newly-appointed team director, Mohammad Hafeez, has disclosed the details of his conversations with former cricket players Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir. Amir's unexpected retirement in 2020, at the age of 28, surprised cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as he chose to exit the game that had brought both acclaim and controversy to his career.
Hafeez revealed that he personally contacted Mohammad Amir, encouraging him to participate in domestic cricket if he wished to continue representing Pakistan.
“I called Mohammad Amir myself and said that if you want to play for Pakistan, you should take your retirement back and you should play domestic cricket. If you perform well, you will be selected in the Pakistan team. Once you come into the team, I assure you that you will be given equal opportunities like others. However, he said that he has moved on in his life and his priorities have changed in life, which we have to respect,” Hafeez said.
In a media interaction earlier this year, Amir reiterated his retirement, expressing the belief that it was time for the younger generation to take the reins in the sport.
"I have retired now, how am I hopeful for my return? If I hadn't retired, I could have said that I am very hopeful, but now I have retired. Now I have grown old, and there are youngsters in the team," Amir had said.
Last week, Imad Wasim also surprised the cricket community by announcing his retirement from international cricket after an illustrious eight-year career.
Hafeez disclosed that he personally reached out to Wasim, urging him to sign a central contract. However, Wasim, after contemplating the offer, informed Hafeez of his unavailability for the New Zealand series, and just two days later, he officially declared his retirement.
“I called Imad Wasim myself and said that he is in my plans for Pakistan team and he should serve Pakistan cricket. I asked him for his availability and he said that he will think about it and will let me know. After two days, he messaged me saying that he was not available for the New Zealand series. After another two days, Imad Wasim announced his retirement,” Hafeez said.
“I acknowledge his services for Pakistan cricket and wish him well for future,” he added.
