Former Pakistani bowler Mohammad Amir recently confirmed whether he will participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after obtaining a British passport and citizenship. He is just one step away from doing so.
Amir moved to the UK in 2020 with his British citizen spouse, lawyer Narjis Khan, and is currently working to obtain his British citizenship and passport, which will provide him access to new opportunities in his cricketing career.
After disclosing his disagreements with the Pakistan team management, Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket. Although rumors persisted that he would come out of retirement to play for Men in Green, it appears that both parties have moved on.
Mohammad Amir will be able to participate in the IPL as a UK citizen, which is one of the main advantages of obtaining his British citizenship. Following the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, Pakistani players are not permitted to participate in the IPL.
As a result, many Pakistani players who were a part of the eight teams during IPL 2008 didn’t rejoin the team, and ever since, no Pakistani player has participated in the lucrative T20 league.
Azhar Mahmood, a former all-rounder for Pakistan, broke up the routine by playing three seasons in the IPL in 2012, 2013, and 2015 after relocating from Pakistan to the UK and obtaining British citizenship.
I Always Say That I Go Step By Step: Mohammad Amir On Possibility Of Playing In IPL After Becoming British Citizen
Amir recently spoke with ARY News on his future in international cricket, including the interesting possibility of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while holding future British citizenship.
Amir firmly stated that he had no desire to wear the England jersey, making it clear where he stands. He is a Pakistani nationalist because he once represented Pakistan in cricket. When asked about the IPL, the southpaw cautiously retorted that it was critical to take each step as it came.
He said: “First, I will not play for England. I have played for Pakistan. Second (talking of IPL), there is one more year to go. What will be the scenario at that time….I always say that I go step by step. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow and I start thinking about playing IPL in 2024. When I get my passport …whatever the best opportunity will be and what I will get…I will avail it.”
From 2009 until 2020, the left-arm bowler, age 31, represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 50 T20Is. He competed for Pakistan in both the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy.