Why Mohammad Amir Won’t Play in the IPL Despite New Eligibility

Mohammad Amir Eligible, But Still a Long Shot for IPL

Mohammad Amir may have officially cleared a major bureaucratic hurdle by acquiring British nationality, making him technically eligible to feature in the Indian Premier League. The news sparked hope among fans who remember his lethal left-arm pace during his prime. Yet, despite the newfound eligibility, a career in the IPL remains a distant dream for the former Pakistan speedster — and for several compelling reasons.

While the door is now open from a citizenship standpoint, the realities of geopolitics, public sentiment, and cricketing relevance suggest Amir won’t just walk into an IPL squad anytime soon. Let’s break down why.

BCCI’s Longstanding Stance on Pakistani Players

The most significant barrier lies not with paperwork, but with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Despite Amir’s British passport, his recent involvement with Pakistan’s national team — including appearances in the 2024 T20 World Cup — ties him closely to Pakistani cricket.

Since 2008, following the Mumbai attacks, the BCCI has barred players holding Pakistani passports from participating in the IPL. While the rule was based on nationality, the spirit of the restriction has always extended to players representing Pakistan internationally.

Even though Azhar Mahmood once played in the IPL with a British passport, he did so during a more diplomatically neutral period. Today, India-Pakistan relations remain strained, and allowing a high-profile figure like Amir would be seen as a bold — and potentially controversial — political statement.

Public and Media Backlash is a Real Risk

IPL franchises are not just sporting teams — they’re global brands backed by major corporations. Any decision that risks sparking public outcry can jeopardize sponsorships and viewership.

Mohammad Amir, due to his fame and past controversies (including the 2010 spot-fixing scandal), carries significant media baggage. His return to the cricketing spotlight in India could provoke strong reactions from fans, media, and even political groups.

A telling example: When Sunrisers Hyderabad’s sister franchise signed Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred 2026, it triggered backlash despite being outside India. The sensitivity around prominent Pakistani players in Indian-owned or affiliated leagues remains high.

Franchises are unlikely to take that risk for a player who, while talented in his prime, no longer dominates the T20 circuit.

Age and Form: A Reality Check

Let’s be clear — cricket is a meritocracy at the highest level. The IPL isn’t just about legacy; it’s about performance.

By the next IPL season, Mohammad Amir will be 35 years old. While age isn’t an automatic disqualifier, fast bowlers in particular see a steep decline in pace and effectiveness at this stage.

Amir hasn’t featured in international cricket recently, and his performances in other T20 leagues — including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with Trinbago Knight Riders — have been underwhelming.

IPL franchises tend to invest in overseas pacers who offer guaranteed speed, wicket-taking ability, and death-bowling composure. Amir’s current output doesn’t suggest he meets that threshold.

The league is packed with younger, faster, and more consistent options from Australia, South Africa, England, and the Caribbean — making him a low-priority pick, even if politics weren’t an issue.

Conclusion: Eligibility Isn’t Enough

Gaining British citizenship opens a technical pathway for Mohammad Amir to play in the IPL — but that’s about as far as it goes.

With geopolitical tensions, brand sensitivities, and declining on-field performance all stacked against him, Amir’s chances of featuring in the IPL remain slim to none.

Fans may remember the magic of his swing and youthful fire, but in today’s IPL landscape, sentiment doesn’t win auctions — impact does.

Unless there’s a dramatic shift in Indo-Pak cricketing relations, or Amir produces a stunning resurgence in form, his name will remain off the IPL team sheets — eligible, but ultimately untouchable.