Why PCB Should Ask Mohammad Amir To Reverse His Retirement For Champions Trophy?

Abhinav Tyagi

Mohammad Amir- (Source:@FaridKhan/X.com)Mohammad Amir- (Source:@FaridKhan/X.com)

Pakistan dealt a heavy blow on Saturday, February 8 after Haris Rauf got injured and walked off the field in the first ODI against New Zealand without bowling his full quota of overs. Rauf's injury has made Pakistan sweat in panic as Champions Trophy is less than two weeks away and they don't want to lose one of their best bowlers due to injury.

Notably, February 12 is the last date for all teams to make changes to their squad. Further, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi too remarked that the selectors are reviewing their selection and hinted at possible changes before February 12. 

Now, it makes a curious case for Mohammad Amir to return and in fact, the PCB should urge the former left-arm seamer to reverse his retirement and return for Champions Trophy. This article will shed light on why Amir should be a part of the 15-member squad.

Why Should PCB Ask Amir To Return To International Cricket?

With Haris Rauf injured, the PCB need to have a replacement or back-up for him and who better than Amir with so much experience. Another reason is that Naseem Shah, who forms a formidable pair with Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, is looking like a pale shadow of his past versions.

 In 2024, Naseem took just 29 wickets in 21 innings and registered his worst performance with the ball since 2021. Even in the first ODI, Naseem leaked 70 runs in his 10 overs and failed to fetch a solitary wicket. 

Now Shaheen too would require a support from the other end and with a senior like Amir, who is also a leftie, would take pressure off Shaheen's shoulders and also act as a mentor to Afridi. 

How Has Mohammad Amir Performed In 2024? 

It is worth noting that Amir announced his retirement from international cricket for the second time on December 14 2024. He had returned for 2024 T20 World Cup, but failed to make a mark and again bid adieu to the sport. 

However, he continued to feature in franchise cricket and took 12 wickets in 10 matches in ILT20. 

Mohammad Amir's Overall Stats

Format
Wickets
Innings
Test119
67
ODIs81
60
T20Is7161

Looking at Amir's stats, the left-arm seamer was a force to be reckoned with back in his days. However, since his return, he failed to produce that kind of magic in T20 World Cup. 

Tournament
Wickets
Innings
2024 T20 World Cup74

Despite his average show in T20 World Cup, Amir can be a promising replacement as Pakistan will host the tournament and it will be Amir's home conditions. Thus, the left-arm seamer will find it easy to perform and has higher chances to succeed in Champions Trophy. 

Lets look at Amir's Champions Trophy 2017 performance

It is worth noting that Amir took just 5 wickets in four matches and despite not being the highest wicket-taker, he had an impact and Pakistan should invest in that impact that he brings to table in important games. Further, Amir took 3 wickets in the final and was praised  for his performance.