Pakistan's Mohammad Amir breaks silence on IPL 2027 participation after securing UK citizenship

Having finalised his British citizenship, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has opened up new avenues in his franchise career, transitioning from an overseas draft pick to a domestic player for the Trent Rockets in The Hundred. Because Indian Premier League regulations restrict players holding Pakistani passports due to ongoing political tensions, Amir’s official acquisition of UK nationality now clears the administrative hurdle for him to enter future IPL player auctions.

Mohammad Amir on prospects of taking part in IPL 2027

Addressing speculation surrounding a potential IPL debut, the left-arm fast bowler made it clear that his immediate focus lies elsewhere. Speaking on the sidelines of The Hundred, Amir confirmed he remains committed to the Pakistan Super League while leaving his IPL prospects open. "I will play in the PSL in 2027 as an overseas player. As for the IPL, I don't know yet whether I will participate," he stated.

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Mohammad Amir now has the British citizenship

A clear precedent for this transition exists in former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who utilized his British passport to feature in the IPL between 2012 and 2015. Mahmood represented the Punjab Kings before making appearances for the Kolkata Knight Riders, demonstrating how UK citizenship allows players of Pakistani origin to navigate the league's restrictions.

Amir officially stepped away from international cricket following the 2024 T20 World Cup, wrapping up a decorated Pakistan career that spanned 36 Test matches, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is. Widely celebrated as one of the elite left-arm seamers of his era, the veteran quick continues to be a highly coveted asset on the global T20 franchise circuit.

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Prior to the formal approval of Amir’s deal with Trent Rockets in July, the move sparked debate across the English domestic circuit. Reports from ESPNcricinfo highlighted pushback from critics who argued that allowing a player to shift to domestic status after initially entering the draft pool as an overseas selection created an unfair advantage, as it restricted other franchises, aside from those looking for injury cover—from pursuing his signature.

Despite these objections, the England and Wales Cricket Board cleared the transaction. The governing body confirmed that Amir had satisfied all necessary criteria to compete as a local player, granting him full authorization to join the competition under domestic classification.