The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off on March 22, 2025, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the opening match.
Since 2008, Pakistani cricketers have been absent from the Indian Premier League (IPL), but now former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Aamir has expressed his desire to participate in IPL 2026.
Mohammad Aamir hopes to play in IPL 2026
Having retired from international cricket, Aamir continues to play in franchise leagues worldwide. In a recent interview on the show "Harna Mana Hai", he shared his aspirations for the IPL, saying: "Next year tak meri opportunity ban rahi agar hua to kyu nahi (By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL and if given the chance then why not). I will play in the IPL."
Aamir wants to represent RCB
Mohammad Aamir is currently based in the United Kingdom and is reportedly working towards obtaining a British passport. If he secures British citizenship, he could become eligible for the Indian Premier League (IPL), as Pakistani players remain banned from the tournament.
He also revealed that if he gets the opportunity, his preferred team would be Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Pakistani players in IPL history
Pakistani cricketers last featured in the IPL's inaugural 2008 season, when 11 players participated across various teams:
Kolkata Knight Riders (4 players): Shoaib Akhtar, Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul
Rajasthan Royals (3 players): Sohail Tanvir, Kamran Akmal, Younis Khan
Delhi Daredevils (2 players): Mohammad Asif, Shoaib Malik
Royal Challengers Bangalore (1 player): Misbah-ul-Haq
Deccan Chargers (1 player): Shahid Afridi
Since then, no Pakistani player has featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL). If Aamir secures British citizenship, will he become the first Pakistan-born player to return to the league? Only time will tell.
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