IPL participation reports are incorrect, says Mohammad Amir

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has denied reports that he could feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2027, saying speculation about his participation is incorrect.

Reports had circulated on social media suggesting that Amir could enter the tournament as a British citizen. The former pacer, who obtained a British passport in May, addressed the claims in a post on X.

“Hi everyone, [I] just want to clarify [that the] news regarding the IPL is not true,” Amir said.

Pakistani cricketers featured in the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, but players from Pakistan have not taken part in the tournament since then amid political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Amir recently registered for the Afghanistan Premier League as a British citizen, prompting further speculation about whether he could also be eligible for the Indian competition.

Pakistan-origin players in the IPL

A number of Pakistan-born or Pakistani-origin cricketers have played in the IPL while representing other countries or holding different nationalities.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who acquired British citizenship, represented Kings XI Punjab in 2012 and 2013 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015.

South Africa’s Imran Tahir, who was born in Lahore, also played for several IPL franchises, including Chennai Super Kings. England’s Owais Shah, born in Karachi, featured in the tournament, while Australia’s Usman Khawaja, born in Islamabad, was associated with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016.

Zimbabwe international Sikandar Raza, who was born in Sialkot, represented Punjab Kings in 2023.

Amir announced his retirement from international cricket in 2024. He represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 62 Twenty20 Internationals, taking 259 wickets across the three formats.