Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has officially acquired a British passport, meaning he will be registered as an overseas player instead of a local player in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2027.
Following this legal change after he retires from international cricket for Pakistan, Amir will be included in the PSL draft under the foreign player quota. This development could affect team combinations and player selection strategies for the franchises.
Moreover, after acquiring British citizenship, Mohammad Amir has also become eligible to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He can now enter the IPL auction as a British citizen, opening the possibility of featuring in the tournament in the future.
It is worth mentioning here that there has already been an example of a Pakistani cricketer featuring in the IPL after acquiring British citizenship. Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who last represented his country in 2007, became a UK citizen and was signed by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) ahead of the 2012 IPL season.
Mahmood went on to play two seasons for Punjab, making 22 appearances and contributing 382 runs and 29 wickets. He later also featured in a match for the Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2015 season. With Mohammad Amir now holding British citizenship, the possibility of an IPL return has emerged, as he would be eligible to register as an overseas player.
However, his selection would ultimately depend on the interest shown by franchises, especially considering his history as a former Pakistan international. Azhar Mahmood’s journey remains a rare precedent of a Pakistani player making an IPL appearance after gaining British citizenship.
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