‘I am a British local now…Pakistan chapter I had before is now closed’: Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir, the left-arm seamer who once represented the Pakistan cricket team, has announced that he no longer wishes to be associated with them, citing his acquisition of British citizenship. In an interview with cricket YouTuber Furqan Bhatti, Amir stated, "I am a British local now. When you play in competitions such as the County Championship and The Hundred as a local player, you have to sign a document stating that you cannot play for another country as a local.

So, the Pakistan chapter I had before is now closed." Amir, who turned 32 in 2024, announced his retirement from international cricket that year. Over his career, Amir played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is for Pakistan. He was banned for five years in 2011 due to involvement in spot-fixing but returned to the national side in 2016.

Amir's most notable performance for Pakistan came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where he played a crucial role in the final against India. He also led the wicket-taking charts for the team during the 2019 ODI World Cup. In 2020, Amir announced his retirement from the national side, citing "mental torture" by the then-Pakistan coaching management, including Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq.

Despite his decision to retire, Amir reversed his decision in March 2024 and played for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in the Americas in June, taking six wickets in four matches. In thanking the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their support and the fans for their backing, Amir expressed his desire to see the next generation elevate Pakistan cricket to new heights.