Mohammad Amir To Play in IPL 2027? Big Twist After Former Pakistan Star Receives British Passport

Mohammad Amir is reportedly eligible to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he has apparently acquired British citizenship. The news has generated significant discussion among cricketing circles because Amir was prohibited from featuring in the IPL previously based on the criteria for Pakistani passport holders.

It has been stated that the left-arm paceman has been issued with a British passport and holds official UK nationality. This, as a result, permits Amir to register in the IPL player auction as a British citizen, and not as a Pakistani player.

Amir was involved in the most recent season of the PSL 2026 and currently plays franchise cricket across the globe.

Why Was Mohammad Amir Unable to Play in the IPL Before?

Following the initial IPL season in 2008, Pakistani players carrying Pakistani passports were banned from taking part in the IPL by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the government.

This ban was put in place after diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan degenerated after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. The decision was implemented, and Amir, who represented Pakistan on international duty, could therefore not be included because of his Pakistani passport.

Also, the fact that Amir was implicated in the spot-fixing controversy in 2010 during Pakistan's tour of England and was banned for several years, only contributed further to Amir's hampered cricket career. Amir was absent from professional cricket before his ban expired and he returned in 2015.

With the ICC's ban against the pacer expired and his nationality confirmed as British, Amir can now be entered into the player auction.

Azhar Mahmood, the former all-rounder, was also in the IPL previously under British citizenship, and played for the Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Could Mohammad Amir Feature in IPL 2027?

Despite being now eligible, whether Amir actually makes it to the IPL appears uncertain.

Due to the political and public sensitivity, franchises may be hesitant to opt for the former Pakistan international, especially since the IPL works under the jurisdiction of the Indian government and BCCI.

With Amir eligible to register his name under England's category for the IPL auction, the main point of consideration is if any team will actually acquire the player. The left-arm paceman continued to be a prominent force in the T20 format and even played in tournaments like The Hundred. However, due to obvious reasons, it seems extremely unlikely at present to see Amir play in the IPL, despite his passport change.

However, this move from the bowler is surely a monumental development in his career and it opens the possibility for more Pakistani origin players to play for franchises in the future.