Mohammad Amir responds to critics over domestic cricket absence

• Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have reversed retirement decisions.
• Amir justifies his selection by highlighting his strong performance in the PSL.
• Amir confirms Mohammad Hafeez had approached him about returning.

Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have decided to come out of their international retirement in time for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, participating in recent matches against New Zealand and securing places in the team for the forthcoming T20I games against Ireland and England.

In response to critics who questioned their selection due to their absence from recent domestic cricket, Amir justified their selection by pointing out their regular involvement and performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), underlining that the PSL is Pakistan’s top domestic T20 tournament.

“There has been a lot of criticism by some people on me and Imad being selected without playing domestic cricket,” Amir said.

“I ask them what is Pakistan’s premier domestic T20 event? The PSL. And both of us (Imad) have played and performed in the PSL besides appearing regularly in other leagues. So what is wrong with selecting us for the T20 format?” he questioned.

However, Amir insisted that for formats like Tests or ODIs, previous experience in domestic cricket is essential.

“I myself have always said players must get experience in domestic first class and other events to be considered for the national team. But in our case we are only playing T20 cricket and our form and fitness is there for all to see,” he said.

He also confirmed that Mohammad Hafeez, the former director of the Pakistan team, had approached him about reconsidering his retirement, but citing uncertainties within the cricket board and team then, he opted to stay out of international cricket.

“It was nice of him (he was director of Pakistan team) and he said I could still play for Pakistan but I told him that given the uncertainty in the cricket board and team I would prefer to remain out of international cricket,” he concluded.

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