Mohammad Amir, the former Pakistani fast bowler, has set his sights on participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024. Having retired from international cricket, Amir currently resides in England and plans to acquire British citizenship next year.
In a recent interview, he expressed his interest in the IPL while mentioning his desire to meet Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders. This article explores Amir’s ambitions, the history of Pakistani players in the IPL, and his eventful cricket journey.
“I haven’t met Shah Rukh Khan. Many Indian fans want to see Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League. Some Indian players also say this but can’t open up about it openly,” he said.
Despite stepping away from international cricket, Mohammad Amir remains enthusiastic about possibly playing in the IPL. He acknowledged the support of Indian fans who wish to see Pakistani players in the league, claiming that some Indian players share this sentiment but cannot express it openly. Amir’s keenness to be part of the IPL showcases his eagerness to compete at the highest level of franchise cricket.
Initially, Pakistani players were part of the IPL during its inaugural season in 2008. However, following the 2009 season, they were barred from participating in the league. Azhar Mahmood is the only Pakistani-origin player to have played in the IPL after 2008, owing to his acquisition of British citizenship. Representing the Punjab Kings, Mahmood successfully competed in the IPL, but other Pakistani players have been unable to join the league due to the ongoing restrictions.
Highs and lows have marked Mohammad Amir’s cricketing career. Following a match-fixing scandal in 2010, he faced a ban, which significantly derailed his promising start. However, Amir successfully returned to international cricket in 2016 after serving his suspension. He demonstrated his resilience and determination despite facing challenges and a dip in form.
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In 2019, Amir retired from Test cricket, citing the mental toll the sport had taken on him. The decision allowed him to focus on limited-overs cricket and potentially extend his career. However, in 2020, he announced his retirement from international cricket, explaining that he had experienced mental torture during his time in the national setup. This decision marked a significant turning point in his career.
Participating in the IPL would provide Mohammad Amir with an opportunity for redemption. It would enable him to showcase his skills globally and compete against the best players in the T20 format. As he strives to overcome his setbacks and challenges, a successful stint in the IPL could reignite his cricketing journey and serve as a platform to prove his worth once again.
