Pakistan team director Hafeez reveals Amir has ‘moved on’ since international retirement, unlikely to make comeback

After a disappointing ODI World Cup campaign, Pakistan cricket has undergone a significant overhaul. Babar Azam has stepped down as captain from all formats, with Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi taking over in Tests and T20Is respectively. Additionally, Mohammad Hafeez has been appointed the team director and is set to serve as the head coach for Pakistan’s upcoming three-test tour of Australia. Hafeez was taking questions in a press conference held on Tuesday where he addressed reporters and fielded questions about recent developments in Pakistan cricket. Last week, Imad Wasim announced a shock retirement from international cricket, while there were debates and deliberations around the possible return of another controversial player, Mohammad Amir. Although Amir had retired from international cricket in 2021, speculations arose about his potential comeback, especially since there was a change in PCB administration in December. However, Amir’s indifferent performances in the Pakistan Super League this year did not help his cause. Hafeez revealed the details of his conversation with Amir, indicating that the left-arm pacer has moved on from the prospect of representing Pakistan again. “I called Amir and conveyed that if he wanted to play for Pakistan again, he needed to take back his retirement, return to domestic cricket, and showcase his performances. The selection committee would then assess his contributions, and, upon his return to Pakistan, he would receive fair opportunities. However, he told me that he had already moved on. He believes his priorities and life have changed. We must respect his decision,” said Hafeez in the press conference. Hafeez also said that Amir expressed his desire to keep playing in international leagues and did not want to go through the rigours of domestic cricket and start his career from scratch. Pakistan will travel to Australia for a three-match Test series. They have lost the last 14 Tests Down Under and face a daunting prospect of reversing the results in this series. The first Test starts on 14 December at Perth’s Optus Stadium.