Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz betrayed us by retiring from Tests just before Australia tour: Waqar Younis

In 2019, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz bid adieu to Test cricket. Their decision to retire from red-ball cricket didn’t go down well with many. Even the critics requested PCB to sack them from the limited-overs format. Waqar Younis, the former Pakistan cricketer and current bowling coach, feels that Amir and Wahab left the team at the wrong time.

Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir were two of the most experienced pacers in the Pakistan team. There is no question over their skills as they were way capable of turning the momentum of the game with the ball. However, the duo bid adieu to Test cricket just ahead of an important tour to Australia where Pakistan was scheduled to play a two-match series.

The selectors were left with no option and they had to pick an inexperienced bowling line-up. In the end, they lost the series by 2-0. The visitors lost their 1st game by a margin of an innings and five runs and ended the series with another defeat by a margin of an innings and 48 runs. The former cricketers felt that Pakistan lacked experience on the tour especially in the bowling department.

We took 2-3 youngsters to Australia due to their retirement, says Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis pointed out Wahab and Amir’s retirement led to Pakistan travelling to Australia with more than two young bowlers. He also went on to say that the duo betrayed the team by hanging their boots at the last moment beofre such a crucial tour.

“We took 2-3 youngsters to Australia, not just 1. The main reason for that was Amir & Wahab gave us a dhoka at the last minute & decided they wouldn’t play Tests 15-20 days before the start of the tour,” Waqar Younis was quoted as saying by Pak Passion.

The 48-year-old also recited that there are various leagues going on across the globe which allows a bowler to rest for the whole day after bowling only 4 overs. He also added that they can easily earn money after causing damage to their own country. Waqar Younis cleared that he was hurt after the experienced bowlers retired without discussing with the management.

“There are so many leagues around the world, it’s easy money, bowl 4 overs & rest in the evening. Players go into their comfort zone & cause damage to the country. They don’t think about the broader picture. If you’re sitting on Twitter & retiring, that really hurts,” the current Pakistan bowling coach added.