Mohammad Amir seeks to play in the IPL starting in 2026 after obtaining a UK passport, allowing him to bypass the ban on Pakistani players. He expressed interest in playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with fellow cricketer Ahmad Shahzad strongly supporting this possibility. Amir, who has a notable career including two World Cup victories, is looking forward to potential opportunities in the IPL.
Mohammad Amir, the former Pakistani fast bowler, is setting his sights on the Indian Premier League (IPL) after acquiring a United Kingdom passport, which makes him eligible to play in the league starting next year. Amir, who has retired from international cricket twice, expressed his eagerness to embrace this opportunity should it arise in 2026, declaring, “Next year tak meri opportunity ban rahi hai, agar hua to why not” (By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL, and if given the chance, then why not).
Pakistani players have been prohibited from participating in the IPL since the league’s inception in 2008, primarily due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan. Nevertheless, some players, such as former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, have been exceptions due to their UK citizenship, allowing them to join various teams over the years. Amir hopes to follow this path with the support of his UK citizen wife, Narjis.
During a recent interview, Amir was asked about his preferred IPL team and indicated he would like to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Ahmad Shahzad, a fellow panelist and out-of-favor Pakistani batter, emphasized Amir’s potential impact on RCB, stating, “RCB needs a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes. They have a good batting unit, but their bowling has always been a problem. If Amir plays for RCB, they will win the title.”
Amir, who made his T20I debut in 2009 at the Oval against England, has an impressive career record, featuring in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is. He was part of the victorious Pakistan squad that clinched the T20 World Cup in 2009 and the Champions Trophy in 2017. His most recent match for Pakistan was against Ireland during the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 16, 2024.
In summary, Mohammad Amir is keen on participating in the IPL starting in 2026 following the acquisition of his UK passport. His ambition aligns with the history of Pakistani players in the league, and he specifically expressed interest in joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a team that he believes would benefit from his skills. Amir’s cricketing journey has been marked by significant achievements, including two World Cup victories for Pakistan, and he remains a prominent figure in the cricketing landscape.
Original Source: www.news18.com
