There are indications that the former fast bowler from Pakistan, Mohammad Amir, will soon have a green light to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) next year. Amir decided to hang up his boots from international cricket last year, and since then, he has not played for Pakistan. He last played a match against Ireland in the T20 World Cup.
It is highly probable that players from Pakistan will be absent from the IPL since its very first season, mainly due to the political issues persisting between both countries. There was, however, one apparent exemption, Azhar Mahmood, who had played in the IPL for three seasons after he became a British citizen in 2011.
“I’m really excited to play in the IPL,” said Amir about the opportunity. He candidly spoke to Samaa TV openly about his aspirations. “I’m being upfront about it. But if the opportunity doesn’t come my way, I’ll just focus on the PSL.” He has hopes that next year, he will get a chance at the IPL and is optimistic about it. With clear enthusiasm, he says: “If I get the chance, then why wouldn’t I want to play in the IPL?”
On the questions about IPL-Psl overlapping, Amir replied straightforward, I don’t think they will overlap next year, this year’s scenario was more complicated with the ICC Champions Trophy and all. If I’m picked in the PSL first, I can’t back out because it would lead to a ban from that tournament; similarly, if I’m picked in the IPL first, I can’t just leave that league either. Where do I get selected first, basically?
Amir finds himself in a slightly more difficult situation than Mahmood. Even if he signs up for the IPL, the chance is that he will not be picked, especially because of recent unfortunate situations in Kashmir with a terrorism incident in Pahalgam. The bilateral relationship becomes harder after this occurrence, and Rajeev Shukla, who is dishonorably holding the position of vice-president of the BCCI, also has made it clear that as of now, India won’t be engaging in any bilateral cricket meant for Pakistan.
So, Amir’s hopes remain sky-high at the moment but are laden with so many uncertainties for him regarding the IPL. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds in a few months.
