‘I’m saying this openly’ – Firstpost

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has stirred fresh buzz after openly admitting his preference for the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The 33-year-old left-arm bowler said that he would pick
IPL over PSL if given a choice to play in the league in the future.

Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, Amir was asked which T20 league he would pick between IPL and PSL if both were scheduled during the same window. He did not shy away from openly expressing his views and said he would choose the Indian Premier League.

Amir wants to play in the IPL

“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,” Amir said in the podcast.

Amir had earlier hinted at this ambition in an interview, revealing that he is likely to become eligible to play in the IPL once he acquires his UK passport. He said that the process is in its final stage and he may receive his British passport before IPL 2026.

“By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL. If given the chance, why not? I will play in the IPL,” Amir had said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had no choice but to schedule the PSL 2025 alongside the ongoing IPL 2025, as no alternative window was available to host their premier T20 tournament this year. As a result, the two leagues are taking place simultaneously.

Amir is representing Quetta Gladiators in PSL 10. In his first match against Peshawar Zalmi, Amir picked up two wickets for just 11 runs helping his team bowl out the opposition for a low score.

Will Amir get picked in the IPL?

Pakistani cricketers have not featured in the IPL since 2009 due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. While some former Pakistani players were still involved in the league as coaches or commentators, they have been completely excluded from the IPL since a new Indian government came to power in 2014.

It is important to note that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has never officially banned Pakistani players from the IPL. The franchises, however, have avoided picking them to prevent any potential backlash from Indian fans. Even in foreign leagues, where most of the IPL owners have stakes, they have shied away from picking Pakistani players despite no pressure from the government or fans there.