Will Mohammad Amir play in the Indian Premier League?

Mohammad Amir: The retired Pakistani fast bowler could be in line for a debut in the cash-rich Indian Premier League.

Having retired from international cricket alleging mental torture, former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir will be seen in action representing Karachi Kings in the second half of the sixth season of the Pakistan Super League.

In the five T20s Amir had played before the season was postponed due to COVID-19, he had picked four wickets at an average of 38.75, an economy rate of 7.75 and a strike rate of 30.

Despite hanging his boots from the highest level, the 29-year old player has time and again emphasized on continuing to play as a freelancer in T20 leagues around the world.

Will Mohammad Amir play in the Indian Premier League?

Amir, who is married to a British national, had applied for British citizenship earlier this week. Upon receiving the same, the left-arm bowler would be eligible to play in the Indian Premier League.

As a Pakistani citizen, Amir couldn’t have played in the IPL due to the political tension between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Being asked about the same in a recent interview with PakPassion, Amir spoke about not thinking about possibilities and opportunities that will be in front of him after he attains British citizenship.

“At the moment, I’ve been granted indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom. I’m enjoying my cricket these days and plan to play for another 6 or 7 years. So, let’s see how things go. My children will grow up in England and receive their education there so no doubt I will be spending a fair amount of time there.

“At the moment, I’ve not really thought about other possibilities and opportunities available and how things will turn out when I receive British citizenship in the future,” Amir was quoted as saying by PakPassion.

If things fall into place, Amir will follow the footsteps of former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood who had also played the IPL after attaining British citizenship. After last playing for Pakistan in 2007, Mahmood had made his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2012. Having represented Punjab for a couple of seasons, Mahmood had played a solitary match for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015.

In 23 IPL matches, Mahmood had picked 29 wickets at an average of 24.14, an economy rate of 7.82 and a strike rate of 18.52. Mahmood, who has a couple of IPL half-centuries to his name, had scored 388 runs in 21 innings at an average and strike rate of 20.42 and 128.05.