Mohammad Amir ponders IPL dream after British Citizenship, But will anyone Buy the ex-Pakistan Pacer?

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has said he has not yet decided whether he will make himself available for the Indian Premier League (IPL), despite becoming eligible for the tournament after acquiring British citizenship.

The 34-year-old, currently featuring for Trent Rockets in The Hundred as a domestic player, spoke about his franchise future on the sidelines of the competition. While confirming his participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from 2027 onwards as an overseas player, Amir remained undecided about the IPL.

"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.

Amir's recent acquisition of British citizenship has opened up fresh opportunities on the franchise circuit. Since gaining citizenship through his wife, Narjis Khan, a British national, the left-arm pacer now qualifies as a local player in England and is also eligible to register as a British overseas player in franchise leagues worldwide, including the IPL.

The change has already impacted his career in England. Amir represented Nottinghamshire's Notts Outlaws in the T20 Blast as a local player before joining Trent Rockets in The Hundred in the same category, allowing franchises to use their overseas slots elsewhere.

His new citizenship also changes his status in the PSL. From the 2027 season, Amir will feature as an overseas player rather than a domestic cricketer, marking a significant shift in his franchise career.

For now, however, the veteran pacer has refrained from making any commitment regarding the IPL, indicating that a decision on participating in the tournament is yet to be made.

Amir retired from international cricket following the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending a Pakistan career that included 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 62 T20 Internationals. Renowned for his swing bowling and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, he continues to be a sought-after name across franchise T20 leagues around the world.

Will Mohammad Amir get an IPL team?

At the age of 34, Amir still holds the fitness to perform and has done reasonablly well in franchise tournaments. Despite that, Amir's inclusion in the IPL is a big leap. Even if he features in the auction, there will be considerable conundrums for any franchise to acquire his services.

With the geopolitical constraints with Pakistan and Bangladesh, Indian owners will tread cautiously after recent ramifications.

There was a huge backlash in India after Sunrisers Leeds, owned by Kavya Maran's Sun Corporates, bought Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred 2026 auction. Kolkata Knight Riders faced similar nationwide backlash after buying Mustafizur Rahman amid tensions with Bangladesh, and was then forced to release him, triggering a domino effect that eventually saw Bangladesh boycott the T20 World Cup.

Hence, it is difficult. Even if Amir wants to play in the IPL, a franchise will have to be bold to really buy him. But incidentally, Amir won't be the first Pakistan cricketer to play in the IPL after acquiring citizenship of a different nation. Azhar Mahmood played for Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders with his British identity.

It is to be seen if Amir decides to register for the IPL as an England player. And then the eyes will shift to the mini auction.

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