Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq feels that senior fast bowler Mohammad Amir has “made up” circumstances with regards to his retirement from international cricket. Citing ‘mental torture’ as the reason, Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2020.
Misbah-ul-Haq slams Mohammad Amir
“There was talk about Waqar Younis related to Amir but there is no truth in it at all. There were six [association] coaches as selectors, me as chief selector and then there was a captain. So this is absolutely not possible, [the idea] that one person out of all could have influenced the decision,” Misbah was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
“Nobody was supporting his selection on the basis of performance. I have no idea why he made up everything and tried to give this whole scenario a context that is out of proportion. For him, it was a simple method: go back and prove his form and get back in the team and everything else is irrelevant.”
JUST IN: PCB have confirmed that Mohammad Amir has stepped down from international cricket.
🇵🇰 147 internationals
☝️ 259 wickets
🎖️ 2009 @T20WorldCup champion
🏆 2017 ICC Champions Trophy winnerWhat is your favourite moment of the Pakistan pace bowler? pic.twitter.com/ilUAaZxSrM
— ICC (@ICC) December 17, 2020
Misbah also pointed out that Amir had refused to tour England last year despite the board trying the best to convince him. Amir had later informed the head coach and the bowling coach about his availability and was incorporated into the squad for the England series.
“Amir has his own point of view and I have always respected every senior or junior cricket. I was the captain when he came back [from his five-year ban] and I had welcomed him and supported him for Pakistan, keeping everything aside,” Misbah added.
“I remember during England tour [in 2020] I gave my everything to convince him for the tour but he didn’t go on personal ground and initially decided not to go. But then later after coming out of his personal issues he messaged me about his availability and even then me and Waqar bhai recalled him, giving him ample respect as a senior pro. But then he got injured and he also had an evident dip in his form.”
