Mohammad Amir Eyes IPL 2026, Prefers RCB Over PSL If Eligible
As PSL 10 gets underway, former Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir has made headlines for his bold declaration: he would rather play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) than the Pakistan Super League (PSL)—provided he becomes eligible through UK citizenship by 2026.
Amir, currently representing Quetta Gladiators, confirmed during a pre-PSL interview that if given the choice between IPL and PSL, he would opt for the Indian league.
“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,” said the 32-year-old pacer.
Eligibility Through UK Citizenship
Since retiring from international cricket in 2023, Amir has been residing in the UK, where he holds British citizenship. This opens the door for his potential IPL participation from 2026, as non-Indian citizens with overseas passports are eligible under BCCI rules.
If his paperwork and clearances are finalized in time, Amir could become the first Pakistani-born player in the IPL since Azhar Mahmood, who also played under a British passport.
“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,” Amir stated.
RCB: Amir’s Preferred Franchise
Amir didn’t hesitate when asked about his dream IPL team:
“I’d prefer to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) if I get selected.”
Backing his choice, Pakistan Test batter Ahmed Shehzad said RCB desperately needs a quality pacer like Amir to strengthen their bowling attack.
“RCB needs a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes. If Amir plays for RCB, they will win the title,” said Shehzad during the same show.
Political Roadblock Still a Concern
Since 2008, no Pakistani player has featured in the IPL due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan. However, Amir’s case may differ due to his British nationality. While it won’t be an easy road, his inclusion would mark a significant development in the cricketing world.
Quetta Gladiators Squad – PSL 10
As Amir gears up for PSL 10, he remains a key figure in Quetta Gladiators’ campaign, which begins April 12 against Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi.
Quetta Gladiators Squad:
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Batsmen & All-Rounders: Finn Allen, Faheem Ashraf, Mark Chapman, Rilee Rossouw, Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, Haseebullah Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Danish Aziz, Kusal Mendis
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Bowlers: Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Akeal Hossein, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Khurram Shahzad, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammad Zeeshan, Sean Abbott, Usman Tariq
Final Thoughts
Amir’s desire to play in the IPL—particularly for RCB—adds a new layer of excitement to his career narrative. As PSL 10 unfolds and IPL 2026 inches closer, the cricketing world will watch closely to see if Amir’s dream move becomes a reality.
