Mohammad Amir Rules Out IPL 2027 Auction Despite British Citizenship
Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has confirmed he will not register for the IPL 2027 auction, ending speculation that his recent acquisition of British citizenship could open a route into the world’s most lucrative T20 cricket competition.
The 33-year-old left-arm quick told Cricbuzz in a message from Dubai that he had no plans to enter the player auction. “No, I’m not,” Amir said, making clear that he will not seek a place in an IPL squad when the auction takes place on December 16.
His decision comes as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares for the next auction cycle. Players hoping to be considered must register through their respective overseas cricket boards, with the application window scheduled to close on November 23. Although Amir may have had a potential pathway to registration through the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), he has chosen not to pursue it.
Why Amir’s British Citizenship Prompted IPL Speculation
Amir’s eligibility became a talking point after he acquired British citizenship. Players from Pakistan have not been permitted to take part in the IPL since the competition’s inaugural season, despite the league’s status as a major destination for international cricket talent. The change in Amir’s nationality therefore raised questions about whether he might be able to enter the auction as a British player.
There is a precedent for a cricketer of Pakistani origin appearing in the league with a British passport. Azhar Mahmood, the former Pakistan all-rounder, played in the IPL for several seasons after holding British citizenship. That history helped fuel the prediction that Amir could consider a similar opportunity, particularly given his experience across international formats and franchise cricket.
However, eligibility to register would not have guaranteed Amir a contract. Auction registration is only the first step: franchises must then decide whether a player fits their squad plans, budget and combination of overseas options. Amir’s announcement means those questions will not be tested in the IPL 2027 auction.
Experience, Wickets and a Career Across Formats
Amir retired from international cricket after a career that included 159 appearances for Pakistan: 36 Tests, 61 one-day internationals and 62 T20 internationals. Across those matches, he claimed 271 international wickets, establishing himself as one of Pakistan’s most recognisable fast bowlers of his generation.
Known for his left-arm angle, ability to swing the new ball and experience in high-pressure matches, Amir has built a profile that could appeal to T20 teams looking for an experienced pace option. His international record spans all three formats, while his work in franchise competitions has kept him connected to the modern short-form game.
Amir’s decision not to enter the IPL should not be read as a lack of interest from franchises, since no auction bidding took place and no team had the opportunity to assess his availability. Rather, it is a clear personal choice to stay out of this particular player market. For IPL followers tracking potential overseas additions, his name can now be removed from the list of possible 2027 auction entrants.
Amir Registers for the Afghanistan Premier League Draft
While stepping away from the IPL route, Amir has registered for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) player draft as a UK national. The move points to a continued interest in franchise cricket and offers a different avenue for the fast bowler to compete in a T20 environment.
He has already appeared in The Hundred for Trent Rockets, where he was treated as a local player rather than an overseas recruit. That classification reflects his British status and illustrates how citizenship can affect a player’s role in domestic competitions. It does not, by itself, determine selection or guarantee participation in every league, but it can shape how teams assess squad balance and overseas-player limits.
Amir’s registration for the APL draft also highlights the increasingly international nature of franchise cricket. Players now weigh opportunities across several competitions, considering playing time, team needs, scheduling and the chance to contribute in a defined role. For a bowler with Amir’s experience, the right tournament may be as important as the biggest one.
What the Decision Means for the IPL 2027 Auction
With Amir opting out, the IPL 2027 auction will proceed without one of the most prominent fast bowlers whose eligibility had attracted attention. The auction remains a key event for franchises seeking to strengthen their pace attacks, but teams will now need to look elsewhere for left-arm seam options and experienced international bowlers.
Amir’s case also underlines the distinction between citizenship, registration and selection. A player’s passport may influence which board can facilitate an application or how a league categorises that player, but the rules and decisions of individual competitions still apply. Even when a route appears possible, participation ultimately depends on a player’s willingness to register and a franchise’s interest in signing them.
For now, Amir’s focus appears to be on opportunities beyond the IPL. His decision closes the door on one widely discussed possibility, while his APL draft registration keeps his franchise-cricket future active. Fans will be watching to see whether he is selected and what role he could play, as the veteran pacer continues to explore the next stage of his career.
