Mohammad Amir IPL Eligibility Explained: Can Former Pakistan Pacer Play in IPL 2027?

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir could become eligible to play in the Indian Premier League after reportedly obtaining British citizenship, potentially opening a pathway to enter the auction as an overseas player from the 2027 season.

The development has reignited debate over the IPL's long-standing absence of Pakistan players and whether a change in nationality can bypass those restrictions.

Why has Mohammad Amir become eligible for IPL?

Amir had previously revealed that he was in the process of obtaining a British passport through his wife, who is a British citizen. According to reports, that process has now been completed.

As a result, Amir would no longer need to register as a Pakistani player in franchise competitions. Instead, he could enter overseas player pools under his British nationality, similar to cricketers representing England or other associate nations in T20 leagues around the world.

The left-arm pacer had earlier indicated his interest in playing in the IPL once his citizenship status changed.

"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," Amir had said during an appearance on a Pakistani television show.

Why don't Pakistan players play in the IPL?

Pakistan cricketers have not featured in the IPL since the inaugural 2008 season.

Players including Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik and Sohail Tanvir took part in the tournament's first edition. However, following the deterioration in India-Pakistan cricket relations after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan players have not been involved in subsequent IPL seasons.

While there is no publicly stated IPL regulation specifically naming Pakistan, franchises have not signed Pakistan-based players since then.

Has a Pakistani player played like this before?

Yes. Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood provided a precedent after acquiring British citizenship.

Mahmood represented Punjab Kings in 2012 and 2013 and later played for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015. Because he held a British passport, he was registered as an English player rather than a Pakistani player.

That example is often cited as evidence that nationality, rather than country of birth, is what matters for overseas player registration.

Will Mohammed Amir definitely play in the IPL?

Not necessarily.

Even if Amir is eligible to register as a British overseas player, he would still need to:

• Enter the IPL auction pool.
• Meet all league registration requirements.
• Attract interest from franchises willing to bid for him.

At 34, Amir remains an experienced T20 bowler with extensive franchise cricket experience across multiple leagues. However, eligibility alone does not guarantee selection.

Mohammed Amir international career

Mohammad Amir represented Pakistan in:

• 36 Tests
• 61 ODIs
• 62 T20 Internationals

Widely regarded as one of the most talented fast bowlers of his generation, Amir retired from international cricket for a second time following the 2024 T20 World Cup and has since focused on franchise cricket around the world.

If he officially enters the IPL auction as a British player, he would become one of the most high-profile former Pakistan internationals with a realistic route back into the tournament.