Mohammad Amir could be set for another interesting phase in his franchise cricket career. The former Pakistan fast bowler is among the players who have registered for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) draft, which will take place in Dubai on November 3. However, his name has caught attention for another reason. Now that he has British citizenship, the 34-year-old could also get a chance to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pakistani cricketers have not played in the tournament for several years.
Mohammad Amir has been placed in the Platinum category for the APL draft. Interestingly, the registration list names him as a Pakistan national living in the United Kingdom. This is despite reports confirming that he has received British citizenship. The difference between his nationality and residential status has raised questions about his chances of playing in the IPL.
Amir is not the only well-known player on the APL draft list. Former Indian players Vijay Shankar and KS Bharat have also registered. Both have retired from all forms of cricket, including the IPL. They are in the Gold category. Murugan Ashwin and several Indian-origin players who represent other countries have also registered.
However, Amir’s name is likely to get the most attention because of what his British citizenship could mean for his franchise cricket career.
Mohammad Amir Yet to Decide on IPL Participation Despite British Citizenship
Amir’s British citizenship could give him opportunities that were difficult to imagine earlier because of the restrictions on Pakistani cricketers in the IPL.
The left-arm fast bowler spoke about his plans during an interaction at The Hundred, where he played for Trent Rockets as a domestic player. He discussed his future in franchise cricket and confirmed that he would return to the Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, he was not sure about playing in 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, as reported by India Today on August 4, 2026.
His statement shows that he has not ruled out playing in the IPL. However, he has not confirmed whether he will enter the auction. Amir is expected to play in the 2027 PSL season as an overseas player because of his new British citizenship.
He has already gained some benefits from his new status in English domestic cricket. Amir played for Nottinghamshire’s Notts Outlaws in the T20 Blast. He later joined Trent Rockets in The Hundred as a domestic player instead of an overseas player.
The IPL could offer him another big opportunity. However, his case also raises an important question: Can a former Pakistan international play in the tournament after getting British citizenship?
Can Mohammad Amir Play in the IPL? Azhar Mahmood Provides a Precedent
Pakistani cricketers have not played in the IPL since the first season in 2008. The situation changed after political relations between India and Pakistan became worse following the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
However, the absence of Pakistani players does not mean that a cricketer born in Pakistan can never play in the IPL.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood is an important example. He received British citizenship and joined Kings XI Punjab for the 2012 IPL season as an English player. He continued with the team in 2013 before joining Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015..
His case is important for Mohammad Amir because both players represented Pakistan at the international level before receiving British citizenship.
However, there is one important detail to consider. The APL registration list still identifies Amir as a Pakistani national living in the UK. His British citizenship is a separate legal status. The nationality and passport details he provides during IPL registration will be important. His APL registration alone does not confirm that he is eligible for the IPL.
Based on the available reports and Mahmood’s example, Amir appears to have a possible route to IPL registration as a British player. However, the final decision will depend on the IPL’s registration and verification process. Getting permission to enter the auction does not guarantee that a franchise will sign him.
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Why Pakistani Cricketers Want to Play in the IPL
Amir’s situation has also brought back an old discussion among former Pakistan cricketers. Several players have spoken openly about the opportunities Pakistani cricketers miss by not playing in the IPL.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has spoken about this several times. In a 2020 interview with Arab News, he called the tournament a big opportunity for players such as Babar Azam.
“I know that IPL is a very big brand in the world of cricket and it is an excellent opportunity for, whether it’s Babar Azam, or many other Pakistani players to go there [to India] and play under pressure and share dressing rooms,” Afridi said.
“So in my opinion Pakistani players are missing a big opportunity.”
Afridi pointed out two major benefits of playing in the IPL. Players get the chance to handle pressure and share dressing rooms with some of the best cricketers in the world. The league brings together top international players and gives them a chance to learn from different playing styles. It also offers them experience in a highly competitive environment.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram also supported the idea of Pakistani players participating in the IPL. In 2013, he asked the BCCI to allow them to play in the tournament. He said, “I have always been a great believer that sports and politics should be kept apart, and if our players take part in the IPL. It will only raise the bar of the event.”
The interest in the IPL is not new. Even Shoaib Akhtar showed interest before the first season. In October 2007, he told AFP, “I have been approached by the Indian Premier League (IPL) and I have applied for permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board to sign the contract.”
He also added, “I always liked the Indian crowd and have always loved to play in India. Hopefully I will be in the Pakistan team for next month’s tour there and will also play in the league.”
Now the question is: why so much obsession?
Money, Glamour and Global Recognition Make the IPL Special
The IPL attracts players from around the world for several reasons. Money is one of the biggest factors. The league offers high-value contracts, while its huge audience gives players global exposure that very few other T20 leagues can match.
The glamour of the tournament is another big attraction. Players get to share dressing rooms with international stars, play in front of large Indian crowds and become part of one of the world’s biggest cricket leagues. This experience can also help them gain more fans and recognition.
For Pakistani cricketers, the IPL offers an additional opportunity. They rarely get the chance to play alongside top Indian players and other international stars because India and Pakistan play very little bilateral cricket.
Afridi also highlighted these benefits. He felt that Pakistani players could improve by playing under pressure and learning from some of the best players in the world.
For Amir, British citizenship could bring this opportunity closer. His APL registration has started the discussion, but an IPL auction entry could be the next big step.
Whether he decides to enter the auction remains to be seen. However, Azhar Mahmood’s career has shown that a British passport can open the IPL door for a Pakistan-born cricketer.n Pakistan.
What do you think? Will Mohammad Amir play in the IPL in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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