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'If Amir plays for RCB, they will win the title': Ahmed Shehzad reacts as ex-PAK left-arm pacer reveals he may be eligible to play IPL next season

Mohammad Amir has expressed his desire to play alongside Virat Kohli for RCB. Amir revealed that he might fit the eligibility criteria to play IPL 2026 as a British citizen.

Sports Tak

• Sat • 08 Mar 2025

India's Virat Kohli (R) presents a cricket bat to Pakistan's Mohammad Amir (L) as Pakistan's captain Shahid Afridi (C) walks past during a training session at The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium in Kolkata on March 18, 2016.

Highlights:

Mohammad Amir has over 300 wickets in T20 cricket.

Amir's wife, Narjis, is a UK citizen.

Pakistan cricketers have been banned from the IPL since the Mumbai terror attacks.

Former Pakistan left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has revealed that he is likely to be eligible to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Amir's wife Narjis is a UK critizen and he is hoping to get the British passport which may help him make his IPL debut.

“Next year tak meri opportunity ban rahi agar hua to kyu nahi (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 said on show “Haarna Mana Hai.”

Pakistan players have been banned from featuring in the IPL since the Mumbai terror attacks of 26/11.

Amir was asked by the show host how will he react to criticism back home if he ends up playing in the IPL. Amir explained that many former cricketers commentated and were involved in the coaching staff of the IPL franchises as well.

Amir said there is mutual admiration when it comes to Virat Kohli. During the T20 World Cup 2016, Kohli had gifted Amir his bat.

“Virat is great and admires talent,” said Amir.

“Virat gifted me his bat and I was overwhelmed by his gesture. I have always been a great admirer of his batting and he is of my bowling. I played some good knocks with his bat,” he added.

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Shehzad backs Amir to win IPL title with RCB

Amir had expressed his wish to play for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) alongside Kohli. Ahmed Shehzad who was a fellow guest on the show said that Amir is capable of helping the Bengaluru-based IPL franchise their maiden title.

“RCB need a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes. They have good batting unit but their problem has always been a problem. If Amir plays for RCB, they will win the title,” the 32-year-old said.

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Amir's T20 numbers

Amir has played for several T20 franchise around the world. From 316 T20s, he has 364 wickets at an average of 22.60 including two five-wicket hauls. His economy rate is 7.24 runs per over. After Pakistan's early exit from T20 World Cup 2024, Amir announced his retirement from international cricket.