Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has acquired British citizenship and a passport, enabling him to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the future. The 34-year-old was eligible for citizenship through his wife Narjis Khan, who is a British citizen.
Pakistan cricketers have been banned from competing in the IPL after the inaugural season. However, with a British passport, Amir can now be registered as a British overseas player in franchise competitions around the world, including the IPL. The left-arm fast bowler also expressed his desire to play in one of the world’s best franchise leagues.
“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 was quoted as saying earlier, via India Today.
Despite gaining British citizenship, it will be interesting to see whether he gets picked in the auction by any of the 10 IPL franchises, knowing he is a former Pakistan international.
It is worth noting that there has been one case of a Pakistani cricketer competing in the IPL after acquiring British citizenship. Former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who last played for the Men in Green in 2007, received UK citizenship and was picked up by the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) ahead of the 2012 season. He went on to play two seasons in Punjab, making 22 appearances and contributing 382 runs and 29 wickets. The right-hander also played one game for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015.
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Pakistan players were banned from playing in the IPL following the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai. They did, however, form part of the inaugural season, with champions Rajasthan Royals having three players from the nation, including Purple Cap winner Sohail Tanvir, Younis Khan and Kamran Akmal. Other Pakistan internationals to play in the first season included Shoaib Akhtar (KKR), Shahid Afridi (Deccan Chargers) and Misbah-ul-Haq (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), amongst others.
