- By Himanshu Badola
- Sat, 08 Mar 2025 05:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In an interesting turn of events, Pakistan's appearance could be seen in the Indian Premier League (IPL) once again after a long while. Pakistani cricketers haven't been part of the IPL after its inaugural edition. in 2008.
Their star pacer Mohammad Amir has shown his interest in IPL and said that he is eligible to play in the tournament from next year. Notably, Pakistani cricketers are banned from participating in IPL, after the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai.
Amir's wife Narjis is a UK citizen and the left-arm pacer, who has played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20Is, is hoping to get a UK citizenship.
It is to be noted that a Pakistani player can participate in the IPL only if he has another country's passport. A decade ago, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood participated in IPL despite the ban. Mahmood had shifted to the UK and he had a British passport.
"Next year tak meri opportunity ban rahi agar hua to kyu nahi (By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL and if given the chance then why not). I will play in the IPL,” Mohammad Amir said in "Haarna Mana Hai," show.
Ahmed Shehzad, who was also part of the show, said Amir will be a good addition to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru side and can help them to their maiden IPL title.
"RCB need a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes. They have a good batting unit but their problem has always been a problem. If Amir plays for RCB, they will win the title," he said.
Amir has quite a few memorable performances against India, including the Champions Trophy 2017 final which Pakistan won. Former India captain Virat Kohli once famously gifted him his bat.
"Virat gifted me his bat and I was overwhelmed by his action," Amir reminisced. "I have always been a great admirer of his batting and he is of my bowling. I played some good knocks with his bat."
"First, I will not play for England. I have played for Pakistan. Second (talking of IPL), there is one more year to go. What will be the scenario at that time....I always say that I go step by step. We don't know what will happen tomorrow, and I start thinking about playing IPL in 2024. I don't know where I will be a year later. No one knows about the future. When I get my passport ...whatever the best opportunity will be, and what I will get...I will avail it," Amir had said in 2023.
It will be interesting to see whether he will be able to register for IPL and get picked by any team despite being eligible for the same.
Talking about IPL, the tournament's 18th edition is all set to kick off on March 22 with the first match set to be played between the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.