Mohammad Amir answers whether he’ll play in the IPL after acquiring British citizenship

Former Pakistan bowler, Mohammad Amir is married to a British citizen, Narjis Khan.

Former Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir is just one step away from acquiring a British passport and citizenship and recently revealed whether he will play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after becoming a British citizen.

Amir is married to Narjis Khan, a British citizen, and lawyer and had relocated to the UK in 2020 and is in the process of qualifying for UK citizenship and a passport which will open new avenues for him when it comes to his cricketing career.

Mohammad Amir had retired from international cricket after revealing his differences with the Pakistan team management and despite rumors of him coming out of retirement and playing for Men in Green kept resurfacing time and again, it seems like both parties have moved on.

One of the biggest positives for Mohammad Amir after getting his British citizenship will be that he’ll become eligible to play in the IPL as a UK citizen. Pakistani players are not allowed to play in the IPL post the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

This has meant that after IPL 2008, many Pakistani players were part of the eight franchises, didn’t return to the fold and since then, no Pakistani player has played in the lucrative T20 league.

However, this monotony was broken by former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who played three seasons in IPL- 2012, 2013, and 2015, after he moved from Pakistan to the UK and became a UK citizen.

I start thinking about playing IPL in 2024: Mohammad Amir  

In a recent interview with ARY News, Amir provided insights into his future prospects in international cricket, including the intriguing potential of participating in the Indian Premier League under his forthcoming British passport.

Amir made it obvious where he stands by adamantly declaring that he had no desire to wear the England jersey. Having previously played for Pakistan on the cricket pitch, he is a Pakistani patriot. The southpaw cautiously responded that it was important to take things one stride at a time when asked about the Indian Premier League.

He said: "First, I will not play for England. I have played for Pakistan. Second (talking of Indian Premier League), 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.”

The 31-year-old left-arm pacer has played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 50 T20Is for Pakistan from 2009-2020. He was part of the Pakistani team which won the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy.