After acquiring British citizenship, Mohammad Amir clarifies stance on entering IPL 2027 auction
Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has put an end to speculation surrounding his possible entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 auction. Despite acquiring British citizenship earlier this year, the left-arm pacer has clarified that he will not register for the upcoming mini-auction, dismissing reports linking him with a potential IPL appearance.
Amir’s decision comes after his registration for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) player draft as a UK national sparked discussions about whether he could finally feature in the world’s most high-profile T20 franchise competition.
The 2027 IPL mini-auction is scheduled to take place in Goa on December 16.
Mohammad Amir rules 0ut IPL 2027 auction entry
Amir directly addressed the rumours after reports suggested that he could use his British citizenship to enter the IPL auction.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the ex-Pakistan international dismissed the claims, writing, “Hi everyone just wanted to clarify news regarding IPL is not true.”
He also confirmed his position in a message to Cricbuzz, ruling out registration for the upcoming auction.
“No, I’m not [registering for the auction],” Amir said.
Many observers believed his new citizenship status could create a route into the IPL, where Pakistani players have not featured since the inaugural season in 2008.
Amir retired from international cricket in 2024 after representing Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20Is. He established himself as one of Pakistan’s most recognisable left-arm fast bowlers, known for his ability to swing the new ball and challenge batters with his pace and accuracy.
He was part of Pakistan’s victorious campaigns at the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Although his international career has ended, Amir continues to explore opportunities in franchise cricket around the world.
How British Citizenship changed Mohammad Amir’s franchise cricket options?
Amir acquired British citizenship in May 2026, opening up fresh possibilities in his professional cricket career. His new status has already allowed him to participate in English domestic competitions as a local player rather than occupying an overseas slot.
The left-arm pacer represented Nottinghamshire’s Notts Outlaws in the T20 Blast before featuring for Trent Rockets in The Hundred. His involvement in these competitions demonstrated how his citizenship had changed his standing in certain franchise tournaments.
The same development triggered speculation about the IPL, where Pakistani cricketers have been absent for nearly two decades.
However, eligibility and participation are two different matters. Even if Amir had registered for the auction, he would still have needed to attract interest from an IPL franchise to secure a contract.
His latest clarification means franchises will not be able to consider him for the 2027 season through the upcoming auction unless his position changes.
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Azhar Mahmood set a precedent for former Pakistan players
Amir’s situation drew comparisons with former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who played in the IPL between 2012 and 2015 after acquiring British citizenship.
Mahmood represented Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during his time in the competition. His appearances demonstrated that a former Pakistan international holding British citizenship could feature in the league under the applicable eligibility arrangements.
That precedent made Amir’s potential IPL entry an intriguing possibility, particularly given his experience as an international fast bowler.
However, Amir’s decision not to register means comparisons with Mahmood will remain hypothetical for the 2027 auction.
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