Why Mohammad Amir Won’t Play IPL Despite British Passport Eligibility

The Dream of Mohammad Amir in the IPL: Why It Remains a Far-Fetched Fantasy

The cricketing world was recently abuzz with speculation when veteran Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir officially acquired British nationality. For many cricket enthusiasts, this milestone immediately triggered hopes of a sensational Indian Premier League (IPL) debut. Given Amir’s lethal left-arm pace and vast experience in short-format cricket, fans and analysts quickly began speculating about which franchises might bid for his services in upcoming auctions. However, despite this newfound eligibility on paper, the reality of the situation is far more complex.

While the prospect of Amir operating in the IPL is an exciting narrative, several insurmountable roadblocks stand in the way. A closer look at the geopolitical landscape, franchise dynamics, and the bowler’s current career trajectory reveals why Mohammad Amir is highly unlikely to ever feature in the world’s most lucrative T20 league.

1. The BCCI’s Stance on Recent Pakistan Internationals

The primary barrier to Mohammad Amir’s IPL ambitions lies in his active and recent ties to the Pakistani national cricket setup. Amir represented Pakistan as recently as the 2024 T20 World Cup and featured in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Rawalpindi. These deep and ongoing connections to Pakistan cricket make it exceptionally difficult for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to sanction his participation.

Historically, cricketers holding Pakistani passports have been barred from participating in the IPL since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks due to severe geopolitical tensions. While former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood famously played in the IPL under a British passport, the diplomatic climate today is vastly different and far more sensitive. Allowing a high-profile, recently active Pakistani international player like Amir to enter the IPL auction would be a highly sensitive diplomatic move that the BCCI is extremely unlikely to authorize.

2. The Threat of Public and Brand Backlash

Even if the regulatory hurdles were somehow bypassed, IPL franchises operate as major commercial brands that are highly sensitive to public perception and corporate reputation. Introducing a high-profile cricketer like Mohammad Amir carries substantial public relations risks that teams are simply not willing to take.

Unlike Azhar Mahmood, who transitioned to the IPL with a relatively low-profile and controversy-free reputation, Amir is a household name associated with past major scandals. In the modern era of hyper-connected social media, any franchise associating with him would face intense scrutiny. We have already seen modern precedents of this backlash; for instance, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s sister franchise, Sunrisers Leeds, faced significant public and media backlash after signing Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred 2026. Such controversies can jeopardize lucrative sponsorships and damage brand equity, making franchises highly risk-averse when it comes to signing players with such backgrounds.

3. Declining Form, Age, and Franchise Priorities

Beyond the geopolitical and commercial factors, pure cricketing logic also works against Mohammad Amir. The fast bowler is no longer the devastating force he was during his peak years. By the time the next IPL cycle comes around, Amir will be 35 years old—an age where fast bowlers naturally experience physical decline and increased injury risks.

Amir has retired from consistent international cricket, and his performances in global franchise leagues have not been extraordinary. While he has played in tournaments like the PSL, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for Trinbago Knight Riders, his numbers have not stood out enough to warrant an overseas slot in the highly competitive IPL. IPL franchises demand peak physical fitness and consistent, elite-level performances from their overseas fast-bowling investments. Investing a valuable overseas slot in a 35-year-old pacer past his prime is a sporting risk that modern IPL analysts and coaches are unlikely to justify.

Conclusion: An Unachievable Milestone

In conclusion, while the theoretical eligibility provided by a British passport makes for fascinating headlines, the practical hurdles are simply too high. Between the BCCI’s strict stance on players with active ties to Pakistan, the immense risk of brand backlash, and Amir’s natural decline in speed and form, the door to the IPL remains firmly shut for the veteran left-arm pacer.