Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has now secured a British passport at the age of 34, through his wife Narjis, who is a UK citizen of Pakistani origin. This development has opened new doors for Amir, both in English domestic cricket and potentially in the IPL.Al
Amir has signed with Nottinghamshire for the T20 Blast, where he will feature as a local player rather than an overseas signing. This allows Nottinghamshire to field South Africa’s George Linde and Pakistan’s Mohammad Ali as their two overseas players while still including Amir in the XI.
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This is not Amir’s first stint in England’s domestic circuit. He has previously represented Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, and Essex, though those opportunities came when he only held a Pakistani passport.
Speaking about his new chapter, Amir said: “I’m really excited to have joined Notts. I’ve heard lots of good things about this club, and I’m looking forward to it. I have lots and lots of memories at Trent Bridge, and I know that T20 is all about entertaining the people, so I’ll be trying my best to do well for this team and make this crowd happy. The team have played the last three games really well, and I’ll be trying to help carry that momentum forward throughout the tournament.”
Nottinghamshire also confirmed his eligibility as a local player:“British passport holder, Amir will not be counted as an overseas player for the duration of his stay at Trent Bridge, which includes any potential knockout matches that Notts may play.”
Is Mohammad Amir eligible for the IPL auction?
The question now is whether Amir can register for the IPL auction. His British passport could indeed make him eligible, as there is a clear precedent. Former Pakistan allrounder Azhar Mahmood was able to play in the IPL despite the ban on Pakistan players after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Mahmood, who also held a British passport, featured in 22 matches for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in 2012 and 2013, and later played a solitary game for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015.
Given this precedent, Amir’s situation is similar. His British passport may allow him to bypass the restriction and register for the IPL auction. While nothing is confirmed yet, there is a real possibility that Amir could be seen at the IPL auction next year, provided the league accepts his eligibility under British nationality.
