Photo Credit:Twitter Photo of @iamamirofficial
On Saturday, March 8, former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir made waves on the internet after revealing his plans to play in the IPL 2026. Speaking on a TV show, Amir disclosed that he intends to register for the IPL auction next year, sparking excitement among fans. His announcement has generated a lot of buzz, especially given the long-standing ban on Pakistani players in the IPL.
For years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has enforced a ban on Pakistani players following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and as a result, no Pakistani cricketer has appeared in the Indian Premier League since. This has left many wondering how Amir, 32, could possibly be eligible to play in the league despite the restriction.
The answer lies in Amir’s changing citizenship status. His wife, Narjis, is a citizen of the United Kingdom, and Amir is in the process of obtaining UK citizenship. By the end of 2025, he expects to receive a UK passport, which will allow him to play in the IPL as a UK citizen. This move will enable him to bypass the BCCI’s ban on Pakistani players, as he would no longer be considered a Pakistani national.
This scenario is not entirely unprecedented. Azhar Mahmood, another former Pakistan cricketer, took a similar route. In 2011, he acquired a British passport and subsequently played in the IPL for various teams. Mahmood featured for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in 2012 and 2013, and for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2015, making him one of the first Pakistani players to play in the IPL as a British citizen.
Amir’s potential participation in IPL 2026 has sparked enthusiasm among fans eager to see a Pakistani star return to the league. The debut season of the IPL featured 11 Pakistani stars.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
