Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir is set to be eligible for IPL participation in 2026 after obtaining a UK passport. Amir expressed interest in playing for RCB and believes he could enhance their bowling lineup. His historical contributions to Pakistan’s cricket and aspirations for the future indicate a significant potential return to prominence in the IPL.
Former Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir is setting his sights on participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by 2026. Currently, Pakistani players are prohibited from playing in the IPL, but Amir, who is obtaining a United Kingdom passport, will soon be eligible.
Amir expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of joining the IPL, saying, “Next year tak meri opportunity ban rahi hai, agar hua to why not” (By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL, and if given the chance, then why not). Speaking on the Haarna Mana Hai show, he made it clear that he would embrace any opportunity in the league.
Historically, Pakistani players participated in the IPL during its inaugural season in 2008. However, due to strained political relations, they faced a ban thereafter. Notably, Azhar Mahmood competed in the IPL seasons of 2012-2015 owing to his UK citizenship.
With Amir’s wife being a UK citizen, his impending passport acquisition signifies a turning point for his IPL participation. When queried about his preferred team, Amir indicated a strong interest in playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Fellow panelist Ahmad Shahzad underscored Amir’s potential impact, stating, “RCB need a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes.”
Amir debuted for Pakistan in T20I cricket in 2009, participating in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is throughout his career, and has been part of noteworthy teams that won the T20 World Cup in 2009 and the Champions Trophy in 2017. His last match for Pakistan occurred in June 2024 against Ireland during the T20 World Cup.
Mohammad Amir’s ambitions to join the IPL reflect his evolving eligibility after acquiring UK citizenship. His past international experiences and specific team preferences suggest he is poised for a potential revival of his career in franchise cricket. As conditions change, Amir’s journey could significantly alter the landscape for Pakistani players in the IPL.
Original Source: www.news18.com
