Aamir quits Test cricket, will continue limited-overs career

Karachi : Pakistan's left-arm pacer Muhammad Aamir announced retirement from Test cricket on Friday but affirmed his commitment to continue playing limited-overs for his country.

Aamir, 27, has been indicating for some time now that he wanted to quit playing Test cricket and focus on one-day internationals and T20s.

In a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Aamir said: "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."

In an interview he said that he was a human being and not a machine while referring to the non-stop cricket he had played since returning to the Pakistan team after the end of his five-year ban for spot-fixing in 2015.

Last year, he had informed head coach Mickey Arthur about his intentions but was told to carry on till the World Cup. Aamir, who played 36 Tests for his 119 wickets, has also appeared in 59 ODIs and 49 T20 internationals. In the recent World Cup in England, he ended with 15 wickets.

"Playing for Pakistan remains my ultimate desire and objective, and I will try my best to be in the best physical shape to contribute in the team's upcoming challenges, including next year's ICC T20 World Cup," he said.