Pakistan's former pacer Mohammad Amir targets IPL in 2026

Mohammad Amir says he would prefer to play in the IPL if eligible next year due to his UK citizenship.

Pakistan's former pacer Mohammad Amir says he would prefer to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year if eligible, as the pacer inches closer to qualification through UK citizenship.

Amir, currently playing for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, has revealed that he would opt to play in the IPL if the opportunity arises in 2026. The 32-year-old made the statement during a recent interview ahead of the 10th edition of the HBL PSL.

Amir, who retired from international cricket in 2023, holds UK citizenship and will become eligible to participate in the IPL next year. When asked whether he would prefer the PSL or IPL if both leagues were held simultaneously, Amir responded candidly.

“Honestly, if I get the opportunity, I'll definitely play in the IPL. I'm saying this openly. But if I don't get a chance, then I will play in the PSL,” Amir said.

Amir had already spoken earlier about the possibility of playing in the IPL, confirming that 2026 could open the door to IPL participation.

“By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL, and if given the chance, then why not? I will play in the IPL,” he said, adding that he would prefer to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) if selected.

Pakistan Test batter Ahmed Shehzad, speaking on the same show, backed Amir’s potential inclusion in the RCB squad. “RCB needs a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes. They have a good batting unit, but their bowling has always been a problem. If Amir plays for RCB, they will win the title,” Shehzad said.

No Pakistani player has featured in the IPL since 2008 due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. Only Azhar Mahmood, as a British passport holder, has appeared in the tournament.

Amir will represent Quetta Gladiators in PSL 10, who begin their HBL PSL X campaign on April 12 taking on Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi.

Quetta Gladiators Squad for PSL 10:

Finn Allen, Faheem Ashraf, Mark Chapman, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Rilee Rossouw, Akeal Hossein, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq, Haseebullah Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Kyle Jamieson, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Zeeshan, Danish Aziz, Kusal Mendis, Sean Abbott.