London:Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has denied rumors suggesting his potential participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL), despite his recent acquisition of British citizenship drawing attention to a route previously taken by Pakistan-born players to enter the tournament.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Amir took to social media platform X on Monday to clarify, "I want to make clear that the reports about the IPL are not true." The speculation began after he received a British passport in May, which triggered discussions in the Indian media about his eligibility to join the IPL as an overseas player.
Interest in Amir's potential IPL participation increased when he registered for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) as a British national. This has brought to light the path taken by former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who played in the IPL from 2012 to 2015 as an English citizen, representing Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Pakistani players have been notably absent from the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008, when players like Shoaib Akhtar and Sohail Tanvir participated. Political tensions between India and Pakistan have resulted in the exclusion of Pakistani players from the league since then. Amir, who is a left-arm pacer, retired from international cricket but continues to participate in franchise leagues globally, having played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20 internationals for Pakistan.