LAHORE: The Director of the Pakistan men’s cricket team Mohammad Hafeez revealed that he contacted all-rounder Imad Wasim as well as pace bowler Mohammad Amir and opened up about the details of the discussion.
Mohammad Hafeez, during a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s tour of Australia, disclosed that he contacted Imad Wasim prior to his retirement and told him that he is in the team’s plans for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.
“I communicated to Imad Wasim that he was in my plans for Pakistan cricket. He had not signed the central contract by then, although he had been awarded one,” said Hafeez.
“I asked him for his availability [for the New Zealand series] and he said that he would think about it and would let me know. He made himself unavailable for the New Zealand series and then two days later announced his retirement.”
He then acknowledged Imad Wasim’s services for the Pakistan cricket team and wished him well for his future.
“I wish the best for Imad as he has served Pakistan Cricket with utmost integrity.”
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Hafeez then shed light on his conversation with Mohammad Amir, who shocked the cricketing world in 2020 with his sudden retirement at the age of 28.
“I personally called Mohammad Amir and told him that if he wants to play for Pakistan, he is free to take back his retirement and get back in the system,” said the team director.
“If he performs in domestic, he will be considered purely on the basis of merit and will be given equal opportunities like others.”
“However, he [Amir] said that he has moved on in his life and his priorities have changed in life, which we have to respect,” Hafeez concluded.
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