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Former Pakistan National Cricket Team fast bowler Mohammad Amir has finally spoken about the possibility of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after becoming a British citizen. The left-arm pacer made it clear that his immediate focus remains the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and that he has not yet decided whether he will enter the IPL.
His comments have reignited debate over whether British citizenship actually opens the door to the IPL. On paper, it changes his eligibility status. But does that automatically make an IPL return realistic? The answer is far more complicated.
Key Points
- Mohammad Amir says he has not decided whether to play in IPL 2027.
- British citizenship makes him eligible to register as an overseas player under IPL regulations.
- Eligibility does not guarantee an IPL contract.
- Pakistan players have not featured in the IPL since 2008.
- Franchise decisions remain the biggest hurdle.
What Mohammad Amir said about IPL 2027 after getting British citizenship
Amir recently completed the formalities to become a British citizen and is now representing Trent Rockets as a domestic player in The Hundred, having initially entered the draft as an overseas player before his citizenship status changed.
When asked about his plans for franchise cricket and the possibility of playing in the IPL, Amir said that the PSL remains his priority and that he is yet to make a decision regarding the IPL.
"I will play in the PSL in 2027 as an overseas player. As for the IPL, I don't know yet whether I will participate."
The former Pakistan international retired from international cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup and has since focused exclusively on franchise cricket around the world.
British citizenship makes Mohammad Amir eligible, but that is only one part of the story
The biggest change following Amir's British citizenship is that he is now eligible to register for the IPL as an overseas player representing the United Kingdom rather than Pakistan.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood acquired British citizenship before joining Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in 2012 and later represented Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015. He was registered as an English overseas player, allowing him to feature in the IPL despite having represented Pakistan internationally.
Mohammad Amir now satisfies the nationality requirement in a similar manner. However, that only clears one hurdle. Eligibility simply allows a player to register. It does not determine whether a franchise will sign him.
Why Mohammad Amir playing in the IPL remains highly unlikely
Although Amir can now legally enter the IPL auction pool, that should not be confused with a realistic chance of playing in the tournament.
Pakistan players have not featured in the IPL since the inaugural 2008 season. Over the past 18 years, no IPL franchise has signed a Pakistan player.
Recent events have also shown how sensitive such signings remain among sections of fans. Earlier this year, Sunrisers Leeds, the Hundred franchise linked to the Sun Group, faced significant criticism after signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Even if Amir registers for the IPL auction, franchises would still have to decide whether to bid for him after evaluating their squad requirements, overseas combinations, commercial considerations and potential public-relations implications.
For that reason, British citizenship improves Amir's eligibility on paper but does not materially improve his chances of securing an IPL contract.
What happens next for Mohammad Amir?
Mohammad Amir's immediate priority remains franchise cricket. He has already confirmed his intention to play the PSL in 2027 as an overseas player, while continuing to feature in leagues such as The Hundred.
The IPL auction window will present another opportunity should he decide to register, but whether any franchise chooses to invest in him remains an entirely separate question.
Unless there is a major shift in the IPL landscape, Mohammad Amir's British citizenship is more likely to expand opportunities in other overseas leagues than lead to an IPL contract.
