New Delhi: When the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced in 2008, players from Pakistan were permitted to participate in the T20 franchise league. Notable figures such as Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, and Mohammad Hafeez took part in the inaugural season. However, following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, Pakistani players were prohibited from joining the IPL. While there have been Pakistani mentors involved with various teams in subsequent seasons, no players from Pakistan have competed in the league since then. Recently, veteran Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir announced that he will be eligible to play in the IPL starting next year.
Amir’s spouse, Narjis, holds UK citizenship, and the left-arm fast bowler, who has participated in 36 Test matches, 61 One Day Internationals, and 62 Twenty20 Internationals, is aspiring to obtain a UK 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 on “Haarna Mana Hai” chat show.
Ahmed Shehzad, who participated in the event, stated that Amir would be a valuable asset to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team and could assist them in achieving their first IPL championship.
“RCB need a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes. They have 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 delivered several notable performances against India. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli once notably presented him with 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.”
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