Mohammad Amir opens up on IPL participation after securing British citizenship

Mohammad Amir, the former Pakistan fast bowler, has spoken publicly about his potential involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) following his recent acquisition of British citizenship. The 34-year-old, who retired from international cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup, remains undecided on whether he will participate in the IPL, though he has confirmed he will compete in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as an overseas player starting with the 2027 edition. Amir, currently playing for Trent Rockets in The Hundred, shared his thoughts during an interview on the sidelines of the tournament. He stated that while he is committed to participating in the PSL, his decision regarding the IPL is still pending. “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,” he said. This clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about his eligibility and future plans in the global T20 landscape. The change in Amir’s nationality has had a direct impact on his eligibility in domestic T20 leagues. After obtaining British citizenship through his wife, Narjis Khan, who is a British national, Amir is now able to register as a British overseas player in various franchise tournaments worldwide, including the IPL. This shift means he can now compete in leagues outside Pakistan without facing restrictions tied to his previous nationality. In addition to his commitment to the PSL, Amir has already secured a place in the English domestic scene. He recently joined Nottinghamshire’s Notts Outlaws for the T20 Blast as a local player and was subsequently signed by Trent Rockets for The Hundred. These moves have allowed him to transition into a more stable role within English franchise cricket, free from the constraints of being classified as an overseas player. Amir’s retirement from international cricket marked the end of a storied career spanning over two decades. During his time with Pakistan, he played 36 Test matches, 61 One Day Internationals, and 62 T20 Internationals. Known for his pace, accuracy, and ability to swing the ball, he became one of the most respected left-arm fast bowlers of his era. Despite retiring from international duty, he continues to remain active in franchise cricket, maintaining his reputation as a top-tier performer. With his new status as a British citizen, Amir now holds the option of competing in multiple leagues globally. However, his immediate focus appears to be on consolidating his presence in English domestic cricket before making a return to Pakistan’s premier T20 competition. In the PSL, he will be classified as an overseas player due to his British citizenship, which could influence his availability and contract terms for the upcoming season. As the cricketing calendar progresses, Amir’s decisions will likely shape his path forward. While the IPL remains a tantalizing prospect, his current priorities lie in stabilizing his franchise commitments in England and preparing for the 2027 PSL campaign. Whether he chooses to pursue the IPL or not will depend on a variety of factors, including personal considerations, team dynamics, and contractual obligations. For now, the former Pakistan star remains focused on the present, navigating a new chapter in his professional journey.