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Fakhar Zaman Retirement Drama; 3 Pakistan Players Who Have Reversed Their Decision Before

Soumyajit Dutta

Shahid Afridi [Source: @PTVSp0rts/X.com]Shahid Afridi [Source: @PTVSp0rts/X.com]

Pakistan’s cricketing landscape is no stranger to dramatic turnarounds, and Fakhar Zaman’s recent dismissal of retirement rumours adds another chapter to this saga. The 2017 Champions Trophy hero, who suffered an oblique muscle injury during Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand, faced speculation about an imminent exit after a laboured 24-run knock and emotional post-match scenes. 

At 34, with a recent exclusion from central contracts and public criticism of PCB decisions, doubts swirled. Yet, Fakhar Zaman quashed the chatter, telling PCB Digital that all the talks are rubbish and he wants to play T20s, ODIs, even Tests again. 

Fakhar's resolve mirrors a recurring theme in Pakistani cricket stars stepping back only to return when duty calls. Here are three others who famously reversed their retirement decisions.

1. Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi redefined the term “retirement U-turn.” Between 2006 and 2017, the mercurial all-rounder announced his exit five times, only to return thrice, in 2006, 2011, and 2016. Each comeback was fuelled by Pakistan’s need for his explosive batting, crafty leg-spin, and unmatched charisma. 

Afridi’s 2016 T20 World Cup resurgence, at 36, epitomized his enduring value, as he led Pakistan to the semi-finals with crucial wickets and a blistering knock against Bangladesh. His ability to thrive under pressure kept the door perpetually open, proving that for Afridi, retirement was less an endpoint and more a pause button.

2. Imad Wasim

In November 2023, Imad Wasim bid farewell to international cricket, citing a desire to explore “other opportunities.” Yet, six months later, the all-rounder staged a dramatic reversal after a stellar Pakistan Super League (PSL) campaign. Leading Islamabad United to the 2024 title, Imad’s Player-of-the-Match performance in the final, reignited national selectors’ interest. 

However, on December 13 2024, Imad retired again from international cricket declaring his decision on his official social media handle. In his career, Imad garnered 986 runs in 55 ODIs at an average of 42.86 and a strike rate of 110.29, including five fifties. In T20Is, he has scored 554 runs at a strike rate of 130.04. With the ball, he has taken 44 wickets in ODIs and 73 in T20Is.

3. Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir’s 2020 retirement, a protest against “mental torture” by PCB management, seemed final. But four years later, the left-arm pacer, now 32, announced his availability for the 2024 T20 World Cup. 

He also revealed constructive talks with PCB officials. Amir’s decision followed a mixed PSL season (10 wickets for Quetta Gladiators) but stellar Caribbean Premier League form (43 wickets at 6.50 economy). However, in December 2024, the controversial pacer declared his retirement again after posting an official announcement on his social media handle.