Srinagar: Former Pakistan cricketer and current Team Director cum Coach Mohammad Hafeez has said that he personally contacted cricketers Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim but the duo turned down to play for Pakistan.
Amir’s retired from International cricket in 2020, at the age of 28 while Imad Wasim recently announced his retirement from International Cricket.
“I called Mohammad Amir myself and said that if you want to play for Pakistan, you should take your retirement back and you should play domestic cricke,” Hafeez said.
“If you perform well, you will be selected in the Pakistan team. Once you come into the team, I assure you that you will be given equal opportunities like others. However, he said that he has moved on in his life and his priorities have changed in life, which we have to respect,” Hafeez said.
Hafeez revealed that he directly contacted Wasim, urging him to consider signing a central contract. However, after contemplating the offer, Wasim conveyed his unavailability for the New Zealand series to Hafeez and merely two days later, officially declared his retirement.
“I called Imad Wasim myself and said that he is in my plans for the Pakistan team and he should serve Pakistan cricket. I asked him for his availability and he said that he will think about it and will let me know. After two days, he messaged me saying that he was not available for the New Zealand series. After another two days, Imad Wasim announced his retirement,” Hafeez said.
“I acknowledge his services for Pakistan cricket and wish him well for the future,” he added.