Former Pakistani Pacer Mohammad Amir Sets Sights on IPL 2024, Eyeing British Citizenship

Former Pakistani Pacer Mohammad Amir Sets Sights on IPL 2024, Eyeing British Citizenship

Mohammad Amir, a Pakistan bowler, was interested in partaking in the Indian Premier League in 2024. He tries to get British citizenship in England in the forthcoming year.  Despite bidding farewell to international cricket, Amir remains keen to be present in the IPL.

During an interview, Amir said that he has never had the opportunity to converse with Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of the illustrious Kolkata Knight Riders franchise. "Regrettably, I have not had the privilege of meeting Shah Rukh Khan. There exists an ardent desire among countless Indian aficionados to witness the inclusion of Pakistani players in the esteemed Indian Premier League. Even some Indian cricketers share this sentiment, albeit unable to openly express it," he revealed.

Pakistani players became part of the IPL in the inaugural season in 2008. However, they were barred from participating after 2009. A single exception to the ban was Azhar Mahmood. He is a Pakistani-origin cricketer who acquired British citizenship. Representing the Punjab Kings, Mahmood had the distinction of competing in the IPL.

Amir's cricketing voyage has been a rollercoaster ride, replete with highs and lows. The maestro bid adieu to Test cricket in 2019. He retired from international cricket in 2020, citing mental anguish as the primary cause.

Throughout his career, Amir encountered a suspension period due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal in 2010. He managed to come back to international cricket in 2016. Because of a dip in his performance, he was excluded from the squad for the 2019 World Cup. However, fate smiled upon him as he was eventually included in the team mere days before the tournament's commencement.