Will make an announcement about my availability if needed when Ramiz Raja leaves PCB: Mohammad Amir

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2020 due to mistreatment from the management. Amir, while speaking about a possible return to international cricket, stated that he would not consider making a comeback until the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ramiz Raja, is in charge.

He also said that it is not the right time to consider coming out of retirement, adding that he would make an announcement about his availability once Raja leaves the PCB. The former Pakistan pacer, who currently features in the English county, playing for Gloucestershire, said that it is too early talk about a Test return. He also threw light on his not-so-good relationship with Ramiz Raja.

“Our relationship goes back a long way and it won’t end,” Amir said in an interview with Samaa TV. “Everyone knows Ramiz Raja’s views about me so I don’t think this is the right time to consider taking back retirement. When Ramiz Raja leaves PCB, I will make an announcement about my availability if needed,” he added.

You never know and things can be changed: Amir

Mohammad Amir made his Pakistan Test debut in 2009 against Sri Lanka in Galle. He picked up 119 wickets in 36 Test matches, 81 wickets in 61 ODIs and 59 wickets in 50 T20Is. He last played for Pakistan in a T20I against England in Manchester in August 2020. 

At 17 years and 257 days, he became the third youngest player to get a five-wicket haul in Test cricket. But his career came to a halt when he was handed a five-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2011 after he was found guilty of spot-fixing in a Test match in England in 2010.

“It is too early to talk about a Test return. You never know and things can be changed but for now, I’m enjoying playing for Gloucestershire,” Amir was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo while talking about his comeback earlier. “I am playing after three years so it is not easy as a fast bowler. I did not play any first-class cricket in the last four years but I am getting better after the first game and just trying to help the boys and do well for them,” said the 30-year-old.