Former Pakistan seamer Mohammad Amir opened up about the possibility of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in an interview with a local news channel on Monday.
Amir, 31, is set to acquire his UK citizenship next year due to his marriage to a British national Narjis Khan.
Amir — winner of the 2009 T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy 2017 — stated firmly that he will not play for England because he has already represented Pakistan and that’s where his loyalties lie — and about IPL, the pacer said he does not want to get ahead of time.
"First, I will not play for England. I have played for Pakistan. Second (talking of IPL), there is one more year to go. What will be the scenario at that time... I always say that I go step by step. We don't know what will happen tomorrow, and I start thinking about playing IPL in 2024," he said.
"When I get my passport ...whatever the best opportunity will be and what I will get...I will avail it," he added.
It must be noted that Azhar Mehmood is the only Pakistani cricketer to have ever played in IPL while being a UK citizen.
Earlier today, Amir signed with Durban Qalandards to participate in the Zim Afro T10 League 2023.
Eight Pakistan cricketers including the 31-year-old are set to feature in the inaugural edition of the Zim Afro T10 League this year.
The squads of the teams were confirmed after the draft on Monday. Each team picked a minimum of 16 players, including at least six Zimbabweans.
The tournament will feature five teams which includes the Harare Hurricanes, Joburg Buffaloes, Durban Qalandars, Bulawayo Braves, and Cape Town Samp Army.
The event will be held in Harare between July 20 and July 29.
Pakistan players in Zim Afro T10 League 2023
Durban Qalandars
Asif Ali, Mohammed Amir, Mirza Tahir Baig and Tayyab Abbas
Harare Hurricanes
Shahnawaz Dahani
Johannesburg Buffaloes
Usman Shinwari and Mohammad Hafeez
Cape Town Samp Army
Mohammad Irfan
This is the first time a franchise cricket tournament will become a part of Zimbabwe cricket.
- Mohammad Amir