Mohammad Amir Eligible for IPL After Gaining British Citizenship
Mohammad Amir's New Chapter in Cricket
Former Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir has recently acquired British citizenship, making him eligible to compete in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The left-arm pacer, who announced his second retirement from international cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup, had previously shared his plans to obtain a UK passport through his wife, Narjis Khan, who is a British citizen. With the completion of this process, Amir can now register as a foreign player in various franchise leagues, including the IPL. This development was highlighted when Amir shared an Instagram story about his new nationality status.
In a recent appearance on the Pakistani talk show 'Haarna Mana Hai', Amir hinted at his future in the IPL, stating that if he secures his British passport, he would be eligible to play in the league starting in 2026. The 34-year-old expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL, and if given the chance, then why not? I will play in the IPL.”
Historical Context of Pakistani Players in IPL
Since the Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistani players have faced restrictions from participating in the IPL. While several notable players, including Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar, participated in the inaugural season in 2008, no Pakistani cricketer has played in the league since then. However, former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood became an exception after obtaining British citizenship, allowing him to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015, having previously represented the Punjab Kings in 2012 and 2013. Mahmood's British passport enabled him to register as an English player, circumventing the ban on Pakistani players.
Amir remains a prominent figure in franchise cricket, having represented Pakistan in 36 Test matches, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is. Should he enter the auction pool as a British citizen, his experience and skill in swinging the new ball could make him a valuable asset for any team.