Following Mohammad Amir’s decision to retire from Test cricket, the fast-bowler is facing strong criticism from most of the former players. The 27-year-old fast-bowler recently announced that he will no longer play the Test cricket but will be available for limited-overs cricket including ODIs and T20Is. Amir also said that he is focusing on the next year’s T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is not happy with Amir’s decision to retire from Test cricket at such a young age. Mohammad Amir, Pakistan Fast Bowler, Announces for Retirement From Test Cricket.

The former pacer on his YouTube channel criticised Amir’s decision and felt that Pakistan needed his services in Test cricket. “I am thoroughly disappointed that Amir has retired at the age where players are at the peak of their careers. It was time for Amir to pay back Pakistan. In a time where Pakistan's run in Test matches is so poor, Amir was needed to deliver for his side and help them win some series. I had helped Pakistan win series in England and New Zealand despite knee injuries,” Akhtar said.

“If I were part of the Pakistan selection board, I would have not allowed these boys to play T20s. There are times when you should make money but this is the time when Pakistan needs you. I request the board to look into the matter. Amir is just 27 and his retirement shows us the mentality of the players. I think this is the time for Pakistan PM Imran Khan to look into the matter to bring dynamic and energetic people,” the fast-bowler added. Mohammad Amir's Decision to Retire from Test Cricket 'Bit Surprising', Says Wasim Akram.

Here's the video

Akhtar also alleged that apart from Amir, Wahab Riaz and Hasan Ali want to play just the T20s. “All these players just want to be the T20 bowlers. This is a fact. Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, all these players want to play only in the T20s. Playing in the ODIs also seems to be a huge task for them,” added the Rawalpindi express in his video.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2019 06:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).