KARACHI — Former Pakistan left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has reportedly become a British citizen after obtaining a United Kingdom passport, potentially making him eligible to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The development gained attention after Amir reshared an Instagram post referring to his change in nationality status. The 34-year-old had earlier hinted at the possibility of playing in the IPL once eligible as a British citizen.
Amir acquired United Kingdom citizenship following his marriage to British national Narjis Khan. Speaking earlier on Geo News programme Haarna Mana Hai, Amir had said he could get an opportunity to play in the IPL in the near future.
“By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL, and if given the chance, then why not? I will play in the IPL,” he had said.
A member of Pakistan’s 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning squads, Amir had maintained that he would not represent England despite being eligible, while remaining open to franchise cricket opportunities.
Amir initially retired from international cricket in December 2020 before returning ahead of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He announced his retirement for a second time in December 2024.
During his international career, Amir played 36 Tests, 61 One Day Internationals and 62 Twenty20 Internationals, taking a combined 271 wickets across formats. He has also been a prominent performer in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), claiming 98 wickets in the tournament.
Notably, Pakistani players have not featured in the IPL since 2008 due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan. Former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood remains the only Pakistan-born cricketer to have played in the IPL while holding British citizenship. — (Agencies)