Mohammad Amir Chooses IPL Over PSL Despite Ongoing India-Pakistan Strains

Apr, 26 2025

Mohammad Amir Eyes IPL Over PSL: What’s Driving His Choice?

Here’s something bound to fire up cricket fans on both sides of the border: Mohammad Amir—who used to spearhead Pakistan’s bowling attack—just said he’d rather play in the IPL than the PSL if given the shot. That sounds pretty wild, especially when you remember how Indian and Pakistani cricketers hardly square off together anymore. So, what’s behind Amir’s bold call?

Amir, 33, is keeping busy these days playing for the Quetta Gladiators in PSL season 10. But when talk turned to his future, he didn’t hold back. To him, the IPL’s reach dwarfs that of any other league, including his home country’s own tournament. The Indian Premier League is more than just another competition—it’s the most watched T20 franchise event, with mind-boggling global viewership and payday. No wonder he’s got his sights set there.

But here’s the catch: since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the BCCI has kept Pakistani players locked out of the IPL. No player from Pakistan has set foot in the league since then, and recent events have only made the divide deeper. The latest Pahalgam terror attack soured the mood even more, with diplomatic ties between the two countries hitting a fresh low. Indian authorities are doubling down on restrictions, making any cross-border links in cricket a near-impossibility.

The British Passport Route and the Road Ahead

So, how does Amir think he’ll break through these barriers? It’s all about citizenship. Amir revealed he is on track to get a British passport by the end of 2025. With that in hand, he’ll qualify for the IPL as a British citizen—not as a Pakistani. That workaround has worked for a handful of players from politically sensitive backgrounds in cricket. Amir insists he’s only a step away from this status. Once it's official, he’ll be eligible for the 2026 IPL auction, and that’s where things could get interesting—if franchises take a chance on him.

Still, Amir is keeping his options open. He said he’d pick whichever league—PSL or IPL—calls him first if there are any scheduling clashes. He made it clear it’s not about politics; it’s about where the opportunity knocks first and hardest. In typical fashion, his comments sparked fast and furious debate on social media and talk shows in both countries. Some saw it as a clear financial move, pointing to the IPL’s huge paychecks. Others felt a bit betrayed that a star Pakistani bowler would be so open about switching loyalties, especially at a time like this.

Right now, though, his plan is just that—a plan. There are a lot of hurdles, from actually finalizing the British passport to whether IPL franchises are even interested, given the league’s delicate political backdrop. Either way, Amir’s comments cracked open a rarely discussed topic: what happens when cricketing ambition collides with stone-cold geopolitics? For now, all eyes are on whether Amir can turn his wish into a headline-making reality—or if politics will win out once again.