The former Pakistani seamer Mohammad Amir has set his sights on the Indian Premier League (IPL) after revealing his plans to obtain a British passport in 2024.
Amir’s International Career:
Having represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 50 T20Is, the 31-year-old has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. His exceptional performances against arch-rivals India, such as his brilliant figures of 3/18 in the 2016 Asia Cup and his impactful spell of 6-2-16-3 in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, have earned him recognition and respect among fans and critics alike.
Retirement and Life Beyond:
In 2020, at the age of 28, Amir retired from international cricket, citing mental stress caused by team management as the primary reason. Since then, the seamer has been actively participating in various T20 leagues across the globe, showcasing his skills and maintaining his presence in the cricketing fraternity.
The British Passport Advantage:
Amir’s impending acquisition of a British passport comes as a result of his marriage to Narjis Khan, a British citizen and lawyer, in 2016. Having relocated to England in 2020, he is now on track to fulfill the necessary requirements for obtaining citizenship. This new status could potentially pave the way for Amir to explore opportunities in the IPL, as Pakistani players are currently prohibited from participating in the tournament.
Amir’s IPL Ambitions:
In a recent interview with ARY News, Amir addressed speculation surrounding his future in international cricket and the potential of playing in the IPL under a British passport. When questioned about playing for England, he firmly dismissed the idea, emphasising his allegiance to Pakistan. As for the IPL, Amir acknowledged that there is still a year to go and expressed his preference for taking things one step at a time. He stated that he will assess his options when the time comes.
Past Exceptions and Possibilities:
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has traditionally prohibited Pakistani cricketers from participating in the IPL, exceptions have been made in the past. Azhar Mahmood, who possessed a British passport, represented the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in 2013 and later had a stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). If Amir secures a British passport and enters the IPL auction, he could join the ranks of a select few Pakistani players to have graced the league. Given his stellar performances and notable record against India, Amir could become an enticing prospect for IPL franchises.
With a rich international career under his belt, Mohammad Amir’s decision to pursue an IPL opportunity after acquiring a British passport has ignited curiosity and anticipation among fans. As the countdown to 2024 begins, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will eagerly await Amir’s next move, as he enters a potentially transformative chapter in his cricketing journey.
