Srinagar: Coming out clear on the long rumoured him eyeing playing in IPL after being eligible as England citizen, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has said why not if opportunity comes in. He said he will be eligible to play IPL 2026.
Amir retired from international cricket in 2024 after his first retirement in 2020.
“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 the show “Haarna Mana Hai.”
Pakistan players are not allowed to play in the IPL, however, Amir aims to get a UK passport as his wife, Narjis, is a UK citizen. He was asked about how he will handle the reactions in Pakistan if he plays in the IPL.
“Pakistani cricketers were banned in the IPL, but our former cricketers were doing commentary and were also coach of the franchise,” the pacer replied.
Amir revealed the IPL team of which he wants to be a part in the Indian cash-rich league. He expressed his interest in playing for Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
He also reflected on Virat gifting him a bat during the T20 World Cup 2016. “Virat gifted me his bat, and I was overwhelmed by his action,” Amir said. “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.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Shehzad, who was also present in the guest panel alongside Amir, stated how the Pakistan pacer could turn the tide for RCB and help them win the elusive IPL title.
“RCB need a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes. They have a good batting unit, but their problem has always been a problem. If Amir plays for RCB, they will win the title,” he said.