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Mohammad Amir Open To Play In IPL 2026; Former Pakistan Pacer Shares His Plans

Rajgeeta

Mohammad Amir Open To Play In IPL 2026 [Source: @Vivekjayswal123/X.com]Mohammad Amir Open To Play In IPL 2026 [Source: @Vivekjayswal123/X.com]

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Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has expressed his desire to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) if given the opportunity in 2026. The 33-year-old, who has retired from international cricket twice, now plays franchise cricket worldwide.

Speaking on the show Haarna Mana Hai, Amir said, "By next year, I might have the chance to play in the IPL. If I get the opportunity, why not? I will definitely play."

Mohammad Amir Responds To Criticism In Pakistan

The show's host, Tabish Hashmi, asked Amir how he would handle criticism from Pakistan if he played in the IPL. Amir responded by pointing out that while Pakistani players were banned from the IPL, former cricketers like Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja have been part of the league as commentators and coaches.

"Pakistani cricketers were banned in the IPL, but our former cricketers were doing commentary and were also coach of the franchise,” Amir said.

Wasim Akram was the coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, and Ramiz Raja worked as a commentator in the tournament, even though Pakistani players weren’t allowed to participate after the inaugural IPL season in 2008.

Pakistan Players in IPL History

If Amir plays in the IPL, he won’t be the first former Pakistan cricketer to do so after the ban. Azhar Mahmood played for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in 2012-2013 and later joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015. Mahmood was eligible because he held British citizenship, and Amir is looking at a similar path to become eligible for IPL 2026.

During the conversation, Amir also spoke highly of Indian batting star Virat Kohli. He recalled how Kohli gifted him a bat before the 2016 T20 World Cup match in Kolkata.

"Virat is a great player who appreciates talent. I was overwhelmed when he gave me his bat," Amir shared. "I have always admired his batting, and he has praised my bowling too. I even played some good innings with that bat."

Amir revealed that he would love to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) if he gets into the IPL. Fellow guest Ahmed Shehzad added that Amir could be the game-changer RCB needs to win their first IPL title.