What if I told you one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers, the man who once bowled the match-winning over in the 2009 World T20 final, is now trying to walk through a door that has been shut for nearly two decades? The door is the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the key is a British passport. For years, cricket fans have waited in hope.
Some said it would never happen. Others said it was impossible. But now, the story has flipped. The former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir is technically eligible to play in the IPL, and the reason is something no one expected.
How British Citizenship Changed Everything
Mohammad Amir has become eligible to play in the IPL after acquiring British citizenship. Amir got his UK passport through his wife, Narjis Khan, who is a British national. This simple fact changes everything. Since he is now a British citizen, he can register for the IPL auctions not as a Pakistani player, but as an overseas player from the United Kingdom. That small shift in nationality is what makes ex-Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir eligible to play in IPL.
Pakistani players have been barred from the IPL since 2009. The ban started after the Mumbai terror attacks, and it has stayed in place for over fifteen years. Stars like Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, and Shoaib Malik played in the first season in 2008, but no Pakistani cricketer has featured since. Amir’s British passport now gives him a legal way around this long-standing ban.
The Azhar Mahmood Precedent
Amir would not be the first Pakistani-born player to do this. Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood also played in the IPL as a British citizen. He represented Punjab Kings in 2012 and 2013, and later played for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015. His case proved that Pakistani players could join the IPL if they held citizenship from another country. Now Amir is following the same path.
Amir has played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is for Pakistan. He is known for his ability to swing the new ball and deliver in high-pressure situations. His fame in franchise cricket is huge, and that is why IPL franchises are watching closely.
What Amir Himself Said About the IPL
During an appearance on the Pakistani chat show “Haarna Mana Hai,” Amir made his position clear. He said he would be eligible to play in the IPL from 2026 if he received his British passport. He added, He said, “Next year I’ll be able to play in the IPL, and if I get the opportunity, what’s wrong with that?” I will play in the IPL.”
This statement was not a hint or a guess. It was a direct confirmation. Amir knows he has completed the citizenship process, and he is ready to enter the auction pool if the timing works out. He has also said he has no immediate plans to represent the England national team. For him, the UK passport is mainly about opening doors in franchise cricket, not international duty.
When Will He Actually Play?
Amir completed his British citizenship in May 2026. That means he could potentially enter the auction for IPL 2027, since the 2026 auction has already passed. Some reports suggested he might be eligible for IPL 2026, but the more realistic timeline is 2027. IPL mega auction 2027 is likely to happen towards the end of 2026, by which time he will have sufficient time to register as an overseas player in the UK.
If he registers in the auction process officially, the franchises may consider bidding for him on account of the fame that he commands. Amir is a left-arm bowler who bowls well during death overs, and he also gets early wickets using the new ball. These are skills every IPL team needs.
Also Read: IPL 2026: Does CSK Heavily Rely on Sanju Samson’s Explosive Runs to Win?
The Bottom Line
Mohammad Amir’s path to the IPL is now clear. He acquired the status of being a citizen of Britain in May 2026, and as a consequence of that, he will be able to register as an overseas player from the UK. This makes ex-Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir eligible to play in IPL without breaking any rules. The ban on Pakistani players remains in place, but Amir is no longer counted as Pakistani for IPL purposes.
If he enters the 2027 auction, watch closely. A legend of the game might soon be wearing an IPL jersey, and the reason is simply a passport from the UK. Cricket fans have waited a long time for this moment, and now it might finally be within reach.
