Islamabad (By Muhammad Abdullah Shahzad), Renowned Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir has confirmed his potential availability for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2026. The left-arm pacer, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has stated that he expects to receive UK citizenship by February 2025, which would make him eligible to participate in the prestigious T20 tournament.
Speaking in a recent interview, Amir expressed his enthusiasm about playing in the IPL, stating, “Maybe in 2026, I will be able to play in the IPL as I am still active in franchise cricket around the world.”
Due to political tensions, Pakistani players have been barred from the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008, except for a handful who participated in the first edition. However, Amir’s potential inclusion follows the precedent of former Pakistani all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who played in the IPL after obtaining British citizenship.
Amir also recalled his admiration for Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, sharing how he was deeply moved when Kohli gifted him a bat during the 2016 T20 World Cup.
While Amir has expressed his willingness to participate, his selection will ultimately depend on the IPL franchises and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). If picked, he will become one of the few Pakistan-born cricketers to feature in the tournament in recent years.