Pakistan's newly appointed team director and coach Mohammad Hafeez has revealed details of his conversations with former cricketers Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir. Hafeez said he personally contacted Mohammad Amir and encouraged him to participate in domestic cricket if he wanted to continue representing Pakistan. Hafeez spoke to Imad before he retired but Imad informed him that he would not be able to play in the New Zealand series.

Amir's unexpected retirement at the age of 28 in 2020 surprised cricket lovers worldwide, as he decided to leave the game that brought him both acclaim and controversy in his career. Amir has always blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for saying goodbye to international cricket early. Imad also started making such accusations before retiring. Now Hafeez unveiled the conversations.

Regarding the talk with Amir, Hafeez told the media, “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 cricket. 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.”

Meanwhile, Imad Wasim suddenly announced his retirement from international cricket a few days ago. Hafiz contacted Imad a few days before he retired. Hafeez wanted to know whether Imad will not be able to play in the upcoming New Zealand series. But Imad said he could not play. On the contrary, Imad suddenly announced his retirement.

According to Hafeez,  “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. I acknowledge his services for Pakistan cricket and wish him well for the future.”