Will this Pakistani cricketer play in IPL 2024?

Former Pakistani bowler Mohammad Amir has confirmed whether he will participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after obtaining a British passport and citizenship. Amir is just one step away from obtaining a British passport and citizenship.

Amir moved to the UK in 2020 with his British citizen wife, lawyer Narjis Khan. He is currently working to obtain British citizenship and a passport, which will provide him access to new opportunities in cricket.

Playing for England

Amir firmly stated that he had no desire to wear the England jersey, making it clear where he stands. He said, “First, I will not play for England. I have played for Pakistan.” Ironically, it was in England where Amir was involved in one of the most infamous moments in cricket. In August 2010, Amir along with Mohammed Asif and Salman Butt was involved in a spot-fixing scandal. Amir, Asif and Butt were then banned for five years by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for taking bribes from a bookie.

After disclosing his disagreements with the Pakistan team management, Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket. Although persistent rumours persisted that he would come out of retirement to play for Men in Green, it appears that both parties have moved on.

Mohammad Amir will be able to participate in the IPL as a UK citizen, which is one of the main advantages of obtaining his British citizenship. Following the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, Pakistani players are not permitted to participate in the IPL.

As a result, many Pakistani players who were a part of the eight teams during IPL 2008 didn’t rejoin the team and ever since, no Pakistani player has participated in the lucrative T20 league.

Azhar Mahmood, a former all-rounder for Pakistan, broke up the routine by playing three seasons in the IPL in 2012, 2013 and 2015 after relocating from Pakistan to the UK and obtaining British citizenship.

Playing in the IPL

Amir who is still 31 years old can be a hot property at the IPL. With his ability to swing the ball early in the powerplay, the left-arm pacer can bring a lot of variety to any bowling attack. While talking about his participation in IPL 2024 he said, “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.”