Mohammad Amir, ex-Pakistani cricketer, will be eligible to play IPL from 2026

Ex-Pakistani bowler Mohammad Amir revealed that he would be eligible to play in the IPL in 2026 after acquiring British citizenship.

Mohammad Amir, ex-Pakistani cricketer, will be eligible to play IPL from 2026

Mohammad Amir could be eligible to play in the IPL in the year 2026. (via Sky Sports)

Former Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir confirmed that he would be eligible to play in the Indian Premier League by next year. The 32-year-old hinted at his interest in being a part of the IPL in 2026 after acquiring British citizenship.

Pakistani players have not participated in the IPL since 2009, owing to geopolitical tensions between India and its neighbor. However, many former Pakistani players did participate in the premier cricketing league in 2008, with Shoaib Malik, Sohail Tanvir, and Shahid Afridi being among them. Ex-Pakistani skipper Wasim Akram also served as bowling coach of IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders until the late 2010s.

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While players from the other side of the border have been banned from playing in the IPL, it still remains a lucrative attraction for many cricketers all around the world. Ex-Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who announced his retirement from international cricket in December last year, has expressed his desire to play in the 2026 edition of the IPL, possibly as a British citizen.

Amir’s wife Narjis is a citizen of the United Kingdom, allowing the 32-year-old the opportunity to get a UK passport. It would definitely open the doors for him to register himself ahead of the 2026 IPL auction. While highlighting his admiration for Indian cricket and players like Virat Kohli, Amir also stated his desire to play for IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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.

Mohammad Amir on his future (H/T NDTV Sports)

It, therefore, remains to be seen whether he succeeds in making his way into the IPL. Amir boasts brilliant T20 numbers, having scalped 364 wickets in 316 matches throughout his career. He most recently featured in the Abu Dhabi T10 league, playing for Desert Vipers.

Ex-Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir’s career through the years

Mohammad Amir revealed his intent of playing in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League after having reportedly applied for British citizenship. He would follow in the footsteps of former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who played for KKR and Kings XI Punjab.

Mohammad Amir career
Mohammad Amir has enjoyed a brilliant bowling career with the Pakistani national team. (via One Cricket)

Amir enjoyed a career full of ups and downs after emerging on the international stage in 2009 at the age of just 17. After having served a five-year ban for spot-fixing, Amir returned to play for Pakistan in 2015. He helped the team triumph at the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and went on to play for the next few years before ultimately retiring in 2024.

He last played for the national team at the 2024 T20 World Cup. In 159 matches for the Men in Green, Amir has picked up 271 wickets, easily making him Pakistan’s 15th highest wicket-taker of all time.