Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir opened up about the challenges of playing back-to-back matches in the fast-paced International League T20 (ILT20). Amir admitted that there is no guarantee that his body will allow him to play every match in the ongoing ILT20 2025.
The left-arm pacer is currently representing the Desert Vipers in the ongoing ILT20 2025, where he has so far bowled eight overs in two matches, claiming two wickets—both in fiery opening spells. Amir, who played a key role in Pakistan’s historic Champions Trophy win in 2017, made it clear that his availability in the league is entirely dependent on his body.
Mohammad Amir opens up about physical challenges in fast-paced franchise leagues
He said every player cares about him, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get hurt. Mohammad Amir was quoted in the Times of India as saying, “I’m never guaranteed to play all the matches because it’s cricket; it is the fastest format and there are back-to-back games. At the end of the day, we are human beings.”
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Namely, Amir retired from Test cricket in 2019 to cope with his workload, and at the end of 2020 he also stopped white-ball cricket, citing “mental torture” and “bad treatment” by the Pakistan team management. But his love for the game led to a dramatic comeback for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
However, Pakistan’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment and just months after his return, the star stunned fans again by announcing his retirement from international cricket in December 2024.
Mohammad Amir reveals why he prioritized leagues over international cricket
Reflecting on his decision, Mohammad Amir feels he has spent his time on the international stage and said it is now the youth’s turn to shine and take charge of the team’s future.
Amir further explained: “Actually, we now have such good young players who are producing results and playing regularly. It’s their time. And I believe that those who have to serve the state for 5-10 years, it is their right to that position. I made my debut in 2009 and it has been so many years playing international cricket. Now is the time for young people to take it forward.”
The fiery pacer said the demanding schedule forced him to prioritize franchise leagues over international cricket. Amir said his fitness was not a problem in white-ball cricket, but his situation was tough due to playing international and league cricket all the time. The pacer noted that every player has to manage his workload with age.
There’s no guarantee that injury won’t happen even after you do everything: Mohammad Amir
Mohammad Amir further explained, “In white-ball cricket, I have never had any fitness issues; sometimes maybe yes, only in longer formats. Rest becomes very limited due to continuous back-to-back cricket, international cricket and league cricket. It’s getting really hard to manage it all. So at that time you have to choose which format you can serve more and where your body can get the rest it needs. That’s what happens in the player’s mind.”
The Pakistani bowler emphasized that every player takes care of their fitness and training, but injuries remain an unpredictable part of the game. Amir signed off saying, “Yes, as a professional, it is your duty to take care of your fitness, diet and training. We do it and meet the conditions, but there is no guarantee that no injury will occur.”
