'I feel needed:' Pakistan's fast bowler Amir out of international retirement

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir announced he was coming out of retirement and available for this year's Twenty20 World Cup, after Pakistan announced changes to its selection process which made him feel "needed."

Amir announced a shock retirement in December 2020 after he was not selected due to poor form.

"I still dream to play for Pakistan! Life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions," Amir wrote on social media platform X.

After "positive" talks with Pakistan Cricket Board officials, he said the PCB made him feel "that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan."

"I declare I am available to be considered for upcoming T20WC," the 31-year-old added.

"I want do this for my country as it comes before my personal decisions. Donning the green jersey and serving my country has always been, and will continue to be, my greatest aspiration.”

Amir is the second Pakistani player who has come out of retirement and shown interest in returning to international cricket over the last two days.

The World Cup will be held in the United States and the West Indies in June.

Amir has represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 50 T20Is. His international wicket haul stands at 259, with 59 coming in the game's shortest format.

Amir's experience would be vital for a team whose spearhead and skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi is struggling for form and Naseem Shah has only recently returned after missing the 50-over World Cup with injury.

His announcement came a day after all-rounder Imad Wasim reversed his own decision to retire four months ago and made himself available to play in this year's World Cup.

Agence France-Presse