Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has acknowledged that obtaining British citizenship has opened the possibility of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While his new status allows him to explore opportunities that were previously unavailable, Amir has shared his reaction regarding his future IPL participation.
British citizenship opens the door to IPL for Mohammad Amir
Amir’s acquisition of British citizenship marks a significant turning point in his franchise career. The 34-year-old, who secured citizenship through his wife Narjis Khan after meeting the required residency and legal conditions, is now eligible to register as a British overseas player in various T20 leagues around the world.
The change in nationality has already benefited his career in England. Amir represented Nottinghamshire‘s Notts Outlaws in the T20 Blast as a local player and is currently featuring for Trent Rockets in The Hundred under the same status. As a domestic player in England, he no longer occupies one of the limited overseas slots, making him an even more attractive option for county and franchise teams.
His British passport has also sparked widespread discussion about the possibility of playing in the IPL, a tournament in which Pakistan players have not featured since the inaugural 2008 edition. Although Amir is now technically eligible to explore that avenue, he has made it clear that no decision has been taken regarding his participation.
Amir opens up on taking part in IPL
Speaking during The Hundred, Amir addressed the growing speculation surrounding a potential IPL stint but refrained from committing to the tournament. The experienced pacer confirmed that he will continue playing in the Pakistan Super League from the 2027 season, albeit as an overseas player because of his British citizenship. However, when asked about the IPL, Amir chose to keep his options open instead of making any definitive announcement.
“I will play in the PSL in 2027 as an overseas player. As for the IPL, I don’t know yet whether I will participate,” Amir said.
His measured response suggests that while the opportunity exists, he is prioritising his current franchise commitments before making any long-term decisions about expanding his playing schedule.
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Amir remains a sought-after name in franchise cricket
Although Amir has retired from international cricket, his demand in franchise cricket has remained remarkably strong. His experience, ability to swing the new ball and deliver under pressure continue to make him a valuable asset in T20 competitions across the globe.
During his international career, Amir represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 62 T20 Internationals, building a reputation as one of the finest left-arm fast bowlers of his era. Since stepping away from international cricket, he has focused entirely on franchise leagues, where his performances and experience continue to attract interest from multiple teams.
With his British citizenship now offering greater flexibility in domestic competitions and potentially opening the door to new opportunities, Amir enters the next chapter of his career with more options than ever before. Whether that journey eventually includes the IPL remains uncertain, but for now, the veteran pacer is content to let the future unfold while continuing to make his mark on the global T20 circuit.
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