Amir's retirement.

FAST bowler Mohammad Amir's abrupt decision to quit international cricket this week at the age of 28 has drawn mixed reactions. Amir, who was dropped from the ongoing tour of New Zealand due to lack of form, has cited mental torture and shabby treatment from the PCB, his coaches and fellow players for his decision. From boy prodigy to tainted player to rebel without a cause, Amir's controversial 11-year career never really allowed him to attain the status of a driving force in the Pakistan team. During his international debut at the ICC World T20, he was described as the most talented young fast bowler on the world circuit and was nominated for the ICC bowler of the year award. Unfortunately, he wasted all opportunities by getting embroiled in a nasty spot-fixing scam in the 2010 England Test series along with skipper Salman Butt and bowling partner Mohammad Asif and was banned for five years. He was lucky to be drafted back into national ranks in 2016 after serving his ban while the PCB earned flak for accommodating a 'fixer'. Many...