Mohammed Amir to focus on ODIs and 2023 Cricket World Cup after quitting Test action

Pakistan fast bowler chooses to retire from the longest format of the game

Mohammad Amir will play only limited overs cricket for Pakistan going forward. Reuters

Pakistan paceman Mohammed Amir has announced his retirement from Test cricket aged just 27.

The left-armer returned to Pakistan's Test side in 2015 having served a five-year ban for his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in the series against England in 2010.

He was Pakistan's leading wicket-taker at the recent World Cup and is still committed to playing white-ball cricket for his country.

He led Pakistan's bowling at the 2019 Cricket World Cup with 17 wickets and he will hope to have a similar impact at the 2023 competition in India.

"It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game. I, however, have decided to move away from the longer version so I can concentrate on white ball cricket," Amir said in a statement.

Amir was one of the brightest prospects in the game when his ban came in 2010 and he ends his career with just 36 Tests to his name.

In that time he took 119 wickets, including 24 in his last six Tests.

"It has not been an easy decision to make and I have been thinking about this for some time. But with the ICC World Test Championship commencing shortly, and Pakistan boasting some very exciting young fast bowlers, it is appropriate that I call on my time in Test cricket so that the selectors can plan accordingly," Amir added.

"I want to thank all my teammates as well as the opponents in red ball cricket. It has been a privilege to play with and against them. I am sure our paths will continue to cross in limited-overs cricket as all of us play and compete with the same vigour and determination."

Pakistan Cricket Board managing director Wasim Khan said: "Amir has been one of the most exciting and talented left-arm fast bowlers in Test cricket in recent times.

"He overcame adversity as a young cricketer and came back stronger not only as a cricketer but also as a better human being. His skill, on the field, and his personality will be missed in the dressing room in the longer format.

"However, we respect his decision and look forward to him continuing to play an integral role in white ball cricket for Pakistan."