Mohammad Amir has acquired British citizenship, a move that could make the former Pakistan fast bowler eligible to enter the Indian Premier League as an overseas player in future seasons. The development emerged after Amir reposted an Instagram story confirming the change in status, potentially placing him in a unique category of Pakistan-born cricketers able to participate in the IPL through another nationality. Pakistani players have not featured in the tournament since the inaugural 2008 season, making Amir’s situation one of the most closely discussed cross-border cricket developments in recent years.
The Instagram story reposted by Mohammad Amir stated: “A new journey starts for Mohammad Amir as he officially became a British citizen today and received his passport. Wishing him more success and happiness ahead.” The repost quickly drew attention across cricket circles because of the implications it could carry for franchise cricket opportunities, including the IPL.
Instagram Story of M amir.
He has received British Nationality pic.twitter.com/tr4ybbhkRn— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) May 20, 2026
Amir’s IPL eligibility gains attention
Amir discussed the possibility of playing in the IPL during an appearance last year on Geo News programme Haarna Mana Hai as conversations around his future eligibility in the tournament began to grow.
Amir said during the same show last year: “By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL, and if given the chance, then why not? I will play in the IPL.” The left-arm pacer had also stated previously that despite becoming eligible to represent England through citizenship, he did not intend to switch his international allegiance from Pakistan.
The 34-year-old now joins a very short list of Pakistan-born cricketers connected to IPL participation through British citizenship. Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood remains the only Pakistan-born player to have appeared in the IPL under English registration after representing Punjab Kings in 2012 and 2013 before later featuring for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015.
Franchise pedigree strengthens Amir’s case
Amir remains one of the most experienced T20 fast bowlers on the global circuit, having taken 467 wickets in 364 T20 matches across domestic and franchise cricket. His T20 career has included appearances in the Pakistan Super League, Caribbean Premier League, International League T20, Bangladesh Premier League, Lanka Premier League, Vitality Blast and The Hundred, giving him experience across conditions in Asia, the Caribbean, the Middle East and England.
His international career for Pakistan also includes 119 wickets in 36 Test matches at an average of 30.4 with four five-wicket hauls, alongside 81 wickets in 61 ODIs and 71 wickets in 62 T20 internationals. Amir was part of Pakistan’s squad that won the 2009 T20 World Cup and later played a decisive role in the country’s 2017 Champions Trophy triumph against India.
In the Champions Trophy final at The Oval, Amir produced one of the defining spells of his international career by returning figures of 3/16 from six overs, including two maidens. The left-arm fast bowler dismissed Rohit Sharma in the opening over before also removing Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli during Pakistan’s victory over India.
IPL discussion revives around RCB possibility
Amir’s comments about the IPL also sparked discussion around which franchises could potentially target him if he entered the auction pool in the future. Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerged as one of the teams mentioned during the same Haarna Mana Hai discussion because of the franchise’s long-running bowling concerns despite regularly fielding strong batting line-ups.
Ahmed Shehzad said last year on Geo News programme Haarna Mana Hai: “RCB need a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes. They have a strong batting unit, but their bowling has always been a concern. If Amir plays for RCB, they will win the title,” The comments added another layer to speculation around how franchises could view Amir’s left-arm angle, new-ball swing and experience in pressure situations.
Although political tensions between India and Pakistan have effectively prevented Pakistan players from participating in the IPL since 2008, Amir’s acquisition of British citizenship creates a different regulatory pathway similar to the one previously used by Mahmood. Whether an IPL franchise eventually pursues Amir remains uncertain, but his eligibility status has already become a major talking point across the cricket industry.
