Since the beginning of the Indian Premier League (IPL) back in 2008, Pakistan players only featured in the inaugural season. Recently, Mohammad Amir expressed interest in becoming the latest addition to the list.
The inaugural edition of the tournament featured as many as 11 Pakistani players across various franchises. However, things changed after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, when Ajmal Kasab – one of the 10 perpetrators – revealed that the terror outfit had plotted the attacks in Pakistan. This pushed bilateral relations between India and Pakistan to rock bottom.
As a result, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposed a ban on Pakistani players in the coveted league. The tensions between the two teams also meant that cricketing rivalries were restricted to multi-nation tournaments, with the last bilateral series being played in 2012-13.
Mohammad Amir latest Pakistani to express interest in IPL
Recently, former Pakistan international Mohammad Amir has expressed his interest in participating in IPL 2026. "By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL and if given the chance then why not," Amir said on Pakistani show Hasna Mana Hai.
Fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who retired from international cricket in December, remains open to the possibility of becoming the first Pakistan international in over a decade to play in the IPL. pic.twitter.com/FhETFopf7z
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 8, 2025
Amir's wife, Narjis, is a UK citizen, and the left-arm pacer – who has represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is – is hoping to enter the IPL using a UK passport. Speaking to ARY News in 2023, Amir had hinted about getting UK citizenship in 2024.
"First, I will not play for England. I have played for Pakistan. Second (talking of IPL), 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. I don't know where I will be a year later. No one knows about the future. When I get my passport ...whatever the best opportunity will be and what I will get...I will avail it," Amir said in 2023.
Azhar Mahmood had previously played in the IPL on British citizenship despite a ban on Pakistan players as the former Pakistan all-rounder had moved to the UK and acquired a British passport. He played for the Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) between 2012 and 2013 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015.
When can Amir get British citizenship?
Among the multiple ways through which one can apply for British citizenship, one is if a person is "married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen".
The criteria for applying for British citizenship under this clause includes living in the United Kingdom for the last three years and either having "indefinite leave to remain (ILR)" or "settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme".
Amir married Narjis in September 2016 and relocated to London in 2020. However, the current status of his British citizenship is unclear.
Full list of Pakistan players in IPL
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