London: Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has dismissed reports suggesting that he could enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 mini-auction as a British citizen, describing the speculation as untrue.
The 34-year-old left-arm pacer took to social media platform X on Monday to put an end to the growing speculation surrounding his possible participation in the lucrative T20 league.
“Hi everyone just wanted to clarify news regarding IPL is not true,” Amir wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The reports emerged after Amir, who acquired British citizenship and obtained a United Kingdom passport in May this year, registered for the upcoming Afghanistan Premier League (APL) draft as a UK national.
Amir, who currently resides in England, has been included in the APL draft register in the Platinum category, with Pakistan listed as his country of residence. The draft is scheduled to take place in Dubai on Tuesday.
His registration as a British citizen had triggered speculation that he could also make himself available for the IPL 2027 mini-auction, scheduled to be held in Goa on December 16.
A report by cricket news website Cricbuzz had suggested that Amir could register for the auction from England, drawing parallels with former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who featured in the IPL between 2012 and 2015 while holding a British passport.
Mahmood represented Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders during that period despite the restrictions preventing Pakistani nationals from participating in the tournament.
However, Amir’s latest clarification has effectively dismissed the reports of his possible IPL entry, at least for the upcoming auction.
Interestingly, the former Pakistan international had previously indicated his willingness to play in the IPL after obtaining British citizenship.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Haarna Mana Hai last year, Amir had expressed his desire to feature in the tournament, saying: “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 represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20 Internationals during his international career. He has since continued to feature in franchise-based T20 competitions around the world.
