New Delhi: Form Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has dismissed reports suggesting that he plans to register for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 mini-auction as a British national. The 34-year-old left-arm pacer clarified on social media that the speculation linking him to the tournament was untrue.
The clarification came after reports emerged that Amir could enter the IPL auction following his acquisition of British citizenship in May 2026. Speculation intensified after he registered for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) draft as a United Kingdom national.
Taking to X on Monday, November 2, Amir wrote: “Hi everyone just wanted to clarify news regarding IPL is not true.”
His statement has put an end to the immediate reports about his possible participation in the IPL 2027 auction, although it does not necessarily rule out any future decision regarding the league.
How did IPL speculation begin?
The discussion began after reports stated that Amir had registered for the Afghanistan Premier League draft in the Platinum category as a British national.
The APL draft is scheduled to take place in Dubai on November 3. His registration prompted speculation that he could use his British citizenship to enter the IPL 2027 mini-auction as an overseas player.
The IPL auction is scheduled to be held in Goa on December 16, 2026. However, Amir’s registration for the Afghanistan league did not confirm that he had submitted his name for the IPL auction.
The distinction became important after Amir publicly rejected the reports.
British citizenship opens opportunities in overseas leagues
Amir acquired British citizenship in May 2026 and has since featured in English domestic and franchise cricket as a local player.
In June, he joined Nottinghamshire for the remainder of the 2026 T20 Blast season. He also represented Trent Rockets in The Hundred.
His new citizenship status has changed how he is classified in certain overseas competitions, creating additional opportunities in leagues where overseas-player regulations apply.
However, citizenship and eligibility alone do not guarantee participation in a particular tournament. Players must still meet registration requirements and secure selection by a franchise.
Amir’s entry into the APL draft as a UK national was therefore not evidence of an IPL application.
Azhar Mahmood provides an IPL precedent
The speculation surrounding Amir also brought attention to former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who represented IPL franchises while holding British citizenship.
Mahmood played for Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders between 2012 and 2015. His participation provided a precedent for a former Pakistan international appearing in the league after acquiring British nationality.
Pakistani players have not featured in the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008, amid strained political and diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.
Mahmood’s case led to questions about whether Amir could follow a similar route. However, Amir’s latest clarification indicates that the current reports about his IPL 2027 auction plans are not true.
Amir’s international career
Amir represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 62 T20 Internationals before retiring from international cricket in 2024.
He had earlier announced his retirement in 2020 but reversed the decision and returned to the national side. Across the three formats, he claimed 259 international wickets.
The left-arm fast bowler was part of Pakistan’s team that won the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 and played a key role in the country’s victory over India in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final.
After retiring from international cricket, Amir continued playing in franchise and domestic T20 competitions around the world.
What next for Mohammad Amir?
For now, Amir’s statement has rejected the reports that he is preparing to enter the IPL 2027 mini-auction. His participation in the Afghanistan Premier League draft and his appearances in English competitions remain separate developments in his franchise career.
The IPL auction is scheduled for December 16 in Goa, but there is no confirmed indication that Amir intends to register for it.
His British citizenship has generated discussion about possible opportunities in international franchise cricket. Nevertheless, his latest clarification makes it clear that reports of an imminent IPL entry should not be treated as confirmed.