Mohammad Amir targets T20 World Cup: 'I still dream to play for Pakistan'

Disgraced fast bowler Mohammad Amir announced Sunday he was coming out of retirement and is available for this year's Twenty20 World Cup, after Pakistan announced changes to its selection process.

Amir's precocious career was halted in 2010 after he along with then-Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt and fellow pacer Mohammad Asif were banned for five years over a spot fixing scandal.

All three were also jailed by a UK court. Amir returned to play for Pakistan in 2016 but announced a shock retirement in December 2020 after he was not selected due to poor form.

"I still dream to play for Pakistan! Life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions," Amir wrote on Sunday on social media platform X.

After "positive" talks with Pakistan Cricket Board officials, he said the PCB made him feel "that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan".

"I declare I am available to be considered for upcoming T20WC," the 31-year-old added.

The Twenty20 World Cup will be held in the United States and the West Indies in June.

Amir has represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 50 T20Is.

His announcement came a day after all-rounder Imad Wasim reversed his own decision to retire four months ago and made himself available to play in this year's World Cup.

I still dream to play for Pakistan!

life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions, There has been few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan after…

Earlier on Sunday, newly elected PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced a seven-member selection panel, making the captain and head coach part of the process.

"We have reorganised the