Veteran Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, who has played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, has voiced his ambition to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2026, targeting Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Speaking on a private TV show on March 8, 2025, Amir pinned his Amir IPL Dream on securing a UK passport via his wife, Narjis, a British citizen potentially sidestepping a decades-long ban on Pakistani players.
Tabish: Amir, when you play in the IPL, you will get criticism.
Amir: When we were banned from the IPL, 90s players were doing commentary and coaching in the IPL. pic.twitter.com/G0ERoNAjnD
— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) March 8, 2025
“If I get the chance next year, I’d jump at it, RCB’s my pick,” Amir said, glowing about Kohli. “Virat gifted me his bat once I’ve smashed some great knocks with it.” Their mutual respect, Kohli admiring Amir’s bowling, and Amir idolizing Kohli’s batting add spice to the prospect. Ahmed Shehzad, also on the show, backed the fit: “RCB’s batting rocks, but their bowling’s weak. Amir’s the fix they’d win the title with him.”
From next year Muhammad Amir will be eligible to play IPL..
HARNA MANA HAI @iamamirofficial In which team you want to play .? pic.twitter.com/SGNPW5tQVK
— 𝑯𝒂𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒊𝒏 (@hasnainhu02) March 8, 2025
The IPL welcomed Pakistan stars like Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi in 2008, but the Mumbai attacks that year slammed the door shut, no Pakistani has played since, though mentors have popped up. Amir’s UK passport plan could crack it open, marking a historic return.
Read: Mohammad Amir Announces Retirement from International Cricket
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