Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir is reportedly considering entering the player auction for the Indian Premier League as a British national. The 34-year-old, who currently resides in England and holds British citizenship, has already registered for the upcoming Afghanistan Premier League draft under a UK player classification.
Amir has not yet confirmed his final intentions regarding the upcoming IPL auction, which is scheduled to take place in Goa on December 16. His potential entry as a UK player follows a pathway previously utilized by former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who featured in the tournament between 2012 and 2015 after acquiring a British passport following his international retirement.
Pakistan cricketers have not participated in the lucrative T20 league since its inaugural season in 2008 due to ongoing political and sporting dynamics between the two nations. However, utilizing dual nationality or a foreign passport has historically allowed individuals to bypass certain residency and board-related restrictions governing participation in overseas franchise tournaments.
Registering as a British player could potentially exempt Amir from requiring a No-Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Cricket Board. Under standard regulations, active and retired Pakistan players require formal permission from the governing body to participate in foreign domestic leagues, though stricter enforcement is frequently applied depending on the tournament.
Amir has already been placed in the Platinum category for the Afghanistan Premier League draft, which takes place in Dubai. While more than thirty Pakistan players have registered for that specific draft, officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board have indicated that clearance for those individuals remains unlikely.
During his international career for Pakistan, the left-arm fast bowler appeared in 36 Test matches, 61 One-Day Internationals, and 62 Twenty20 Internationals. His most recent appearance for the national side came during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup fixture against Ireland held in Florida in June 2024.
The Afghanistan Premier League draft features five competing franchises, each permitted to assemble a squad of up to eighteen players. Regulations dictate that each roster must comprise predominantly domestic talent alongside a restricted contingent of international signings from various global cricket boards.
Franchises preparing for the IPL 2027 season face a retention deadline extension to November 17 ahead of the mini-auction proceedings. Should Amir officially submit his registration documentation before the deadline, prospective team franchises will evaluate his fitness, form, and availability during the December auction event.
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