Mohammad Amir declines to register for 2027 IPL auction, confirms decision from Dubai
Mohammad Amir said he will not register for the upcoming 2027 Indian Premier League auction, confirming the decision in a message to Cricbuzz from Dubai on Nov. 3, 2026. The former Pakistan fast bowler said an IPL stint is not on his immediate agenda while he continues to explore other franchise opportunities.
Cricbuzz reported that Amir opted against entering the auction pool, a move that keeps him away from India's premier T20 league despite his ongoing involvement in franchise cricket. The 34-year-old has remained active in T20 competitions since stepping away from international cricket and has begun a new professional chapter after acquiring British citizenship in May 2026. Amir previously registered for the Afghanistan Premier League draft as a UK national, a step that intensified speculation over his availability for the IPL. He has been listed in the Platinum category for that APL registration, with Pakistan noted as his country of residence.
“No, I’m not [registering for the auction],” Amir told Cricbuzz in a message from Dubai. He added that an IPL stint was not on his immediate agenda when confirming the decision to the outlet. The exchange to Cricbuzz was the explicit confirmation that he would not enter the IPL auction pool this cycle.
Amir’s registration for the Afghanistan Premier League draft as a UK national had prompted discussion about his eligibility for the IPL under his new status. The APL listing cited him as a UK national while still showing Pakistan as his country of residence. That combination of registration details and citizenship change fed the speculation about a possible return to Indian franchise cricket.
Since obtaining British citizenship in May 2026, Amir has appeared in English domestic franchise events as a local player. He has played in the T20 Blast for Nottinghamshire's Notts Outlaws and in The Hundred for Trent Rockets, occupying a domestic rather than an overseas slot. His participation in those competitions and his APL draft registration were described in the report as part of his transition as a British citizen and as steps toward broader franchise options.
Amir retired from international cricket in 2024 after representing Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20Is. He was a member of Pakistan's 2009 T20 World Cup-winning team and played a key role in the country's Champions Trophy triumph in 2017. The report drew a parallel with former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who represented Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL between 2012 and 2015 after acquiring a British passport; Amir had been mentioned in similar discussions but had earlier indicated he would feature in the 2027 PSL edition in an overseas capacity following his change in citizenship.
Amir’s decision rules him out of the 2027 IPL auction, and he has confirmed he will return to the Pakistan Super League next year as a foreign player.
