Pakistan speedster, who retired on December 17 2021 from all forms of international cricket has shifted his base to the United Kingdom. He is soon going to apply for British citizenship that will allow him to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 28-year old pacer retired from all forms of international cricket after he was dropped from the 35-member squad. He had his differences with the Pakistan selection committee as dealing with them was like "mental torture" for him. Mohammad Amir said being left out of the Pakistan squad for their ongoing tour of New Zealand was a 'wake-up' call for him and he has decided not to continue at the international level.
But how can he get British citizenship?
Mohammed Amir got married in 2016 to a British citizen named Narjis Khan. She is a lawyer by profession. Narjis is believed to have played an important role in fighting for Amir when he was jailed for match-fixing allegations in 2009. He also has two daughters who are studying in England. Amir can apply for citizenship based on his British spouse.
In an interview with PakPassion.net, Amir said, “At the moment I’ve been granted indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom. I’m enjoying my cricket these days and plan to play for another 6 or 7 years so let’s see how things go. My children will grow up in England and receive their education there so no doubt I will be spending a fair amount of time there.”
Mohammed Amir can then play in IPL as a British citizen. Amir won't be the first Pakistani cricketer to do so. Azhar Mehmood too acquired British citizenship and later on played for Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL.
On playing in the IPL, Amir said: “At the moment, I’ve not really thought about the other possibilities and opportunities available and how things will turn out when I receive British citizenship in the future.”
After being infamous for a fixing scandal in 2009 as a teenager, Mohammed Amir came back strong in 2016 after serving his 5 years ban. At retirement, Amir had played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 49 T20Is for Pakistan since his debut in 2009.
Indian captain, Virat Kohli had gifted his own bat to Mohammed Amir during a series in 2016.
"To be honest, I don't think I can play cricket under this management, I am leaving cricket, for now, I am being mentally tortured, I cannot handle it, I have seen it enough from 2010-2015. I have to repeatedly hear that PCB invested a lot in me, I am thankful to Shahid Afridi as he gave me chances when I came back after the ban," Amir had said after his retirement in December.
Will we see a Pakistan speedster in IPL yet again? Only time will tell.