Mohammad Amir’s decision to retire from Test cricket with immediate effect has surprised many in the cricketing fraternity. He hung his boots at the age of 27, and a lot of people felt that it’s the time for a player to peak in his career. The likes of Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar were shocked by the move. Akram reckoned that Pakistan would need him in the Tests versus England and Australia.

Shoaib has lashed out at him left, right and centre. The former fast bowler questioned his retirement, saying that Amir’s goodbye was uncalled for since Pakistan cricket has invested a lot in him. Akhtar now fears that the likes of Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz and Junaid Khan may also follow Amir’s footsteps and bid adieu to the longer former in order to focus on limited-overs cricket.

“What I find as troubling news is that perhaps Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, and Junaid Khan will follow suit and take retirement. What is happening with the Pakistan team?” Akhtar was quoted as saying in his official YouTube channel.

Even as Hasan and Wahab were part of the 2019 World Cup, Junaid didn’t get the privilege. In fact, Junaid was omitted from the initial squad. Wahab was a regular fixture in the team during the mega event while Hasan got dropped after the match versus India in Manchester.

Because Pakistan has to come first

Akhtar expressed his concerns regarding the players who’ll play Test matches for Pakistan. Akhtar said “these boys are lucky” and if he was a part of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he wouldn’t have allowed the players to play T20 cricket.

“Because Pakistan has to come first. They have to play for Pakistan. There are times when you should make money…I’m all for making money, but this is the time that Pakistan needs you,” the legendary speedster added.

As far as Amir is concerned, he was Pakistan’s leading fast bowler with 17 wickets in 2019 WC. The southpaw finished his Test career with 119 wickets from 36 matches. He made his debut way back in 2009 as a teenager and his last appearance in the format was against South Africa in January 2019 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.