'The IPL News Is Not True': Mohammad Amir Dismisses the Rumours

Will Mohammad Amir be seen in the IPL? The question about the former Pakistan pacer has been circulating for several years. It gained fresh momentum recently when he registered for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) as a British citizen. Amir has now spoken himself about the IPL possibility and said the rumours are not true.

In a post on social media platform X, Amir wrote: 'I want to make it clear, the news spreading about the IPL is not true.' Not only that, he also told Indian cricket website Cricbuzz that he has no plan to register his name for the IPL auction.

Discussion about Amir playing in the IPL began after he received British citizenship. The former Pakistan left-arm pacer received a British passport last May. Reports in Indian media had suggested this could open a route for him to play in the IPL as a foreign cricketer. Amir's latest statement has, for now, put an end to that possibility.

Pakistani cricketers have no opportunity to play in the IPL. However, in the tournament's first edition in 2008, several Pakistani cricketers did play, among them Shoaib Akhtar and Sohail Tanvir. After that, due to India-Pakistan political hostility, no Pakistani cricketer has played in the IPL.

There is, however, a precedent of a cricketer of Pakistani origin playing in the IPL with English citizenship. Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood played as an English citizen for Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders from 2012 to 2015.

Amir, who has retired from international cricket, remains active in franchise cricket. He plays in various T20 leagues around the world. The pacer played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20Is for Pakistan.

Amir earned his reputation for pace and swing as well as effective bowling under pressure. After his clear statement on the IPL, discussion about him playing in the tournament has stopped for now.