Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has ruled out a possible return to the national team.
Speculation had linked him with a comeback for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The tournament will take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
However, Amir says his Pakistan chapter is now closed.
Amir Gets British Citizenship
Amir officially retired from international cricket on December 14, 2024.
He later acquired British citizenship and received a British passport.
He obtained British citizenship through his wife, Narjis Khan.
The change will also affect his status in franchise cricket.
Amir Will Play PSL as an Overseas Player
Amir can now play in the Pakistan Super League as an overseas player.
He will no longer count as a local Pakistani player.
His British citizenship also allows him to play as a local player in some English domestic competitions.
These competitions include county cricket and The Hundred.
Amir Explains Why He Cannot Return
Amir explained his situation during an interview with a cricket YouTuber.
He said local players in English domestic competitions must follow certain rules.
They must sign a document before playing as local players.
The document prevents them from representing another country as a local player.
“I am a British local now,” Amir said.
He said players must sign the document when they compete in the County Championship or The Hundred.
“So, the Pakistan chapter I had before is now closed,” he added.
Amir’s Pakistan Career
The 34-year-old made his international debut for Pakistan in 2009.
He played 36 Test matches for the national team.
He also played 61 One-Day Internationals.
Amir featured in 62 T20 Internationals.
He took 119 wickets in Test cricket.
He also claimed 81 wickets in ODIs and 71 wickets in T20Is.
Three ICC World Cups
Amir represented Pakistan in three ICC World Cups.
He played in the 2009 and 2010 T20 World Cups.
He later featured in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
Pakistan won the 2009 T20 World Cup.
Amir took six wickets in seven matches during that campaign.
He then claimed eight wickets in six matches in the 2010 edition.
Leading Wicket-Taker in 2019
Amir was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker at the 2019 ODI World Cup.
He claimed 17 wickets in eight matches.
His best performance came against Australia.
He returned figures of 5/30 in that match.
His World Cup performances highlighted his value to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Champions Trophy Final Hero
Amir also played a key role in Pakistan’s 2017 ICC Champions Trophy victory.
He produced a match-winning spell against India in the final.
Amir took 3/16 in six overs.
He dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan.
Pakistan bowled India out for 158 runs.
The team won by 180 runs.
Pakistan also secured its maiden Champions Trophy title.
