Pakistan's left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir has said he wants to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2026. The veteran bowler, who announced retirement from international cricket, shared his views on the program Haarna Mana Hai.

Amir, whose wife is a UK citizen, hopes to acquire a UK passport and thus be allowed to play for the IPL as a local. Speaking on the show, he stated:

"By next year, I will be able to play in the IPL. If I am given the opportunity, then why not? I will play in the IPL."

Is he going to face criticism in Pakistan?

While answering questions regarding criticism in Pakistan for playing in the IPL, Amir mentioned that even though Pakistani players were suspended from the league, some of their former colleagues remained as commentators and coaches.

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He was talking about legends such as Wasim Akram, who was a coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Ramiz Raja, who provided commentary while IPL matches were being played.

🚨 AMIR TO IPL CARNIVAL 🚨

Amir said "By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in IPL and if given a chance then why not - I will play in IPL". [Haarna Mana Hai] pic.twitter.com/Op57wDBjTk

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 8, 2025

Respect for Virat Kohli

Amir also discussed his respect for Virat Kohli. He remembered a special incident when Kohli presented him with a bat before a T20 World Cup match in 2016.

"Virat is a fantastic player and respects talent. I was speechless when he presented me with his bat. I have always respected his batting, and he values my bowling."

RCB's Potential Game-Changer?

During the telecast, Ahmed Shehzad, a former Pakistani opener, also complimented Amir's ability and opined he might be RCB's missing piece.

"RCB requires the presence of Amir-like bowlers to repair their bowling side. They have a deep batting order but, ever since time immemorial, they never had the problems of their bowlers coming right. If RCB features Amir, at long last they may lift the title of the Indian Premier League."

With the experience and expertise of Amir, it remains to be seen if he would get an opportunity to perform well in the 2026 IPL.

India faced Pakistan recently in Group A of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Once again, we experienced a similar story in recent times, as India completely dominated Pakistan to seal another great win. Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir revealed why India are different from Pakistan. 

With another big defeat against India, hosts and the defending champions Pakistan are out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, even before their last game of the group stage against Pakistan. Pakistan started the tournament with a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in Karachi and suffered a six-wicket defeat against India in Dubai. With another shameful group stage exit from the ICC tournament, Pakistan players are facing wild criticism from the experts, especially from the former Pakistan cricketers.  

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Toh jo daleri aap baat karen ye leader se shuru hoti hai: Mohammad Amir praised skipper Rohit Sharma

Mohammad Amir feels that the captaincy is the major difference point between India and Pakistan. The former Pakistan left-arm pacer strongly praised Indian captain Rohit Sharma's leadership mindset, who took over the captaincy role after Virat Kohli's resignation. Amir praised Sharma's aggressive batting attitude, which has been reflected in the entire team. 

Amir said, "India mein jab ye Virat ne resign kiya toh Indian team lagna shuru kya tha ki nahi thode backfoot pay ja rahe. Leader ka bada role aata hai, 2023 ki World Cup se dekh le jo Sharma ne trend set kiya ki yaar hamne iss brand ki cricket khelni hain, uska pahala example main set karunga. Toh jo daleri aap baat karen ye leader se shuru hoti hai." (When Virat resigned [from captaincy], the Indian team started to feel like they were going a bit on the back foot. The role of a leader is significant; just look at the trend set by [Rohit] Sharma in the 2023 World Cup that we have to play this brand of cricket, I will set the first example of that. So the courage you talk about starts with the leader.)

Leader agar darpok hain na, puri team pay wo effect nazar aayega: Mohammad Amir

Amir further added that a strong mentality captain could comfortably overcome the poor system and poor structure. 

The former Pakistan left-arm pacer added, "System ko peeche chhod de, structure ko peeche chhod de, aapke paas 15 ladke agaya na, mujhe leader bana diya gaya, us leader pe hi depend karta hai ki mujhe 25 crore avam mein se 15 ye ladke diye gaye jo waise team main se ki maine kisko kis tarah use karna hain ye leader ka role hota hai. Leader agar darpok hain na, puri team pay wo effect nazar aayega dekhiye." (Leave the system behind, leave the structure behind, you have 15 boys with you, I have been made the leader, now it depends on that leader how I utilize these 15 boys out of 25 crores of people given to me, that is the role of a leader. If the leader is a coward, the entire team will reflect that effect, you see.)

Ro pic.twitter.com/1zhsFmn6UZ

— Ro³ (@ro_45___) February 26, 2025

From Group A, India and New Zealand have already booked their places for the Semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It means that Pakistan and Bangladesh have already been eliminated, while all four teams have still one match remaining in the group stage. 

Pakistan’s loss gainst India and New Zealand have sparked criticism from former cricketers and experts from Pakistan. Former opener Ahmed Shehzad shared his disappointment, questioning the team’s selection process.

"People say there’s no favoritism in team selection, but we’ve seen it happen. We know the truth, and we’ll speak up unless things start improving. Cricket was the only sport Pakistan took pride in, and now even that is struggling," Shehzad told Geo.tv.

Virat Kohli’s brilliant century helped India secure a win over Pakistan. Earlier, Mohammad Rizwan and his team had lost against New Zealand in their opening match after failing to chase a 321-run target.  

Ahmad Shehzad blasting Reaction on Pakistan cricket team and military establishment backed Management after Pakistan 🇵🇰 lost both matches against kiwis and India 🇮🇳 and are now out of the champions trophy 2025 being host a big embarrassment for them #ChampionsTrophy2025… pic.twitter.com/oy3nrw8gh9

— 🌧️Majestic Kashmir🍁 (@MajesticKashmir) February 24, 2025

Pakistan’s poor performance, former fast bowler Mohammad Amir requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to focus on top performers from domestic cricket rather than selecting players based on the Pakistan Super League (PSL). “PSL should not be the main criteria for national team selection. The best players from domestic cricket should be given priority,” Amir said.  

ALSO READ: India Qualify for Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Finals & Pakistan Knocked Out

Champions Trophy: Cricket is finished in Pakistan, Ahmed Shehzad says. Pakistan suffered second defeat on the trot after having lost to New Zealand in opener. @gulf_news @TheRealPCB @BCCI #ChampionsTrophy #ChampionsTrophy2025 https://t.co/O0twV4iccS pic.twitter.com/FssE1gu82Q

— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) February 24, 2025

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi also criticized Pakistan’s recent approach. “I knew this would happen. You can’t play with a 1980s-90s mindset in 2025 and expect to win. Since 2017, Pakistan hasn’t achieved anything in ICC events despite all the talk about preparation. We don’t even know our best team for home conditions. Our bowling lacked aggression, and if you want to beat strong teams, you have to play attacking cricket,” Afridi said.  

With defeats against India and New Zealand, Pakistan is now officially out of the ICC Champions Trophy after New Zealand’s win over Bangladesh secured their spot in the semi-finals alongside India. Pakistan will now return home from Dubai and prepare for their final group match against Bangladesh on Thursday. India will take on New Zealand in their last group-stage game on Sunday, March 2.

Mohammad Amir Celebrates with Iconic Pushpa Step as Desert Vipers Dominate Sharjah Warriors

In the ILT20 game on January 22, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Mohammad Amir, from Desert Vipers, triumphed in the match against Sharjah Warriors, making it a major win by 10 wickets for his team. The truth of this can't be ignored, Amir's bowling was amazing, taking down four Warriors players and keeping their score unfathomably low at 91 runs.

This game was a strikingly large situation because of his acceptable moves, especially when he got Rohan Mustafa in the third over and did the 'Thaggede Le' move from Pushpa 2, which got everyone extremely happy. Amir didn't only stop there, he was doing well, taking out major names such as Johnson Charles and Avishka Fernando right in the first over. Desert Vipers' batsmen, Fakhar Zaman and Alex Hales, had no trouble chasing down the score. Fakhar was unbeatable, scoring 71 out of 39 balls, including some amazing boundaries and sixes. Mister Zaman even scored his 50 runs with just 30 balls. What was more amazing was how he ended the game with back-to-back sixes. Hales was right there with him, scoring a calm 23 off 21 balls, making fully sure the Vipers won unfathomably easily with a lot of time left.

ALSO READ: Watch: Rohit Sharma's dismissal in Ranji Trophy against Jammu & Kashmir

Mohammad Amir does the Pushpa celebration after the wicket. 🌟pic.twitter.com/6MZ68UCvSQ

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 22, 2025

Sharjah Warriors tried to start a fight, with Jason Roy scoring 30 from 34 balls, but they could not deal with the stress and got all out cheaply. David Payne and Wanindu Hasaranga tried to help Amir, but truly, Amir was the star demonstrating some serious skills. The Vipers are showing they're the team everyone wants to win against this tournament, all thanks to Amir's excellent bowling and Fakhar's unfathomably aggressive batting. This victory is a clear sign of innovation, disruptive strategies, and organic teamwork making them the best competitors.

Babar Azam is set to lead Pakistan for the third consecutive time at the T20 World Cup as he and the 15-member squad prepare to fly to the USA and the Caribbean for the highly anticipated tournament. With no vice-captain named and no travelling reserves announced, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is placing its faith in a stable squad, largely consisting of players currently engaged in a bilateral series against England.

The Squad and Its Preparation

Pakistan’s bilateral series against England is a critical preparatory ground for the T20 World Cup. With most squad members participating, the series offers a valuable opportunity to fine-tune strategies and build team cohesion.

Pakistan’s campaign begins with a relatively easier fixture against the USA. This match should boost confidence and give Pakistan a chance to fine-tune its strategies.

Key Matches in the Group Stage

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup journey kicks off against the USA in Dallas on June 6. It is followed by a high-stakes match against India in New York on June 9. They will remain in New York to face Canada on June 11 before travelling to Lauderhill to play Ireland on June 16, rounding off their group-stage fixtures.

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The subsequent matches against Canada and Ireland are crucial for securing a spot in the knockout stages. These games allow Pakistan to solidify their combinations and address any weaknesses.

SWOT Analysis of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad

Strengths

Pakistan’s primary strength lies in their bowling arsenal, particularly their fast bowlers. The squad boasts express pacers such as Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir, and Abbas Afridi. This pace attack is capable of unsettling any batting lineup in the tournament.

• Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi: Both young bowlers have significantly impacted the international stage with their speed and skill.
• Haris Rauf’s Return: Haris Rauf’s inclusion post-injury boosts the squad, providing experience and raw pace.
• Mohammad Amir’s Comeback: Amir’s return to international cricket adds a layer of experience and expertise to the bowling lineup.

Weaknesses

Pakistan’s middle order remains a concern despite a robust bowling lineup and a reliable opening partnership. The lack of consistent performers in the middle overs can be problematic, especially in high-pressure situations.

• Inexperience and Form Issues: Middle-order batters have struggled with form and consistency, raising doubts about their ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed.
• Fielding Concerns: Historically, Pakistan’s fielding has been weak, and any lapses could prove costly in close matches.

Opportunities

The tournament provides a platform for young talents like Azam Khan and Saim Ayub to showcase their skills on a global stage.

• Azam Khan and Saim Ayub: Both players have shown promise and have the potential to make significant contributions.
• First T20 World Cup Appearances: Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan are set to make their T20 World Cup debuts, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the team.
• Amir’s comeback to international cricket after a hiatus presents an opportunity for him to reinstate himself as a premier bowler.

Threats

Pakistan’s batting heavily relies on their openers. If they fail to perform, the team could struggle to post competitive totals due to the shaky middle order.

• Pressure on Top Order: The burden on the openers to consistently deliver could lead to pressure-induced failures.
• Middle Order’s Inconsistency: The unproven middle order poses a risk, especially against stronger bowling attacks.

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, led by Babar Azam, is a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. Their formidable bowling attack is their biggest strength, while the middle order remains a potential Achilles’ heel. With strategic preparation and focused execution, Pakistan can be a formidable force in the tournament. Addressing middle-order issues and maintaining high fielding standards will be key to their success.

After Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir has come out of his retirement and after positive discussions with the PCB, is now available to play for Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Amir took to social media to announce the same and wrote, “I still dream to play for Pakistan!”

Amir comes out of retirement

Mohammad Amir took to social media to inform that he would be available to play for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. According to him, after discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board, he decided to do this for his country.

During the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, Mohammad Amir, the talented pace bowler for Quetta Gladiators, found himself embroiled in a moment of fury. A member of the crowd labeled him a “fixer,” igniting Amir’s anger.

In response, he sharply retorted, questioning the values instilled at the individual’s home. This incident not only reflected Amir’s emotional response but also brought back haunting memories of a turbulent phase in his cricketing career.The turbulent chapter in Amir’s journey dates back to 2010 when he, alongside teammates Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, was implicated in a spot-fixing scandal at Lord’s.

The scandal, orchestrated through a British newspaper sting operation, cast a shadow over Amir’s promising career trajectory. Consequently, he faced severe consequences, including cricket bans and imprisonment. This period marked a significant downturn in Amir’s career, tarnishing his reputation and shaking the cricketing world.

From Turmoil to Triumph: Mohammad Amir’s Journey of Resilience

Despite the adversity he faced, Amir’s story evoked sympathy from many quarters. His youth at the time of the scandal garnered understanding from fans and observers alike. After serving his ban, Amir displayed resilience by making a remarkable comeback to international cricket in 2016. His journey from being a fallen figure to a redeemed player served as a testament to his strength of character and determination to overcome challenges.

Amir’s recent outburst during the PSL match underlines the enduring impact of the spot-fixing scandal on his psyche. The derogatory remarks hurled at him by spectators triggered raw emotions, hinting at the lingering wounds from past controversies. Despite his efforts to move past the scandal, it remains an indelible part of his narrative, resurfacing in moments of vulnerability.

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As Quetta Gladiators, Amir’s team, secured a place in the playoffs of the ongoing PSL season, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex journey Amir has undertaken. His resilience and determination in the face of adversity continue to define his narrative, showcasing a story of redemption amidst the challenges of professional sports.

In a recent Twitter video shared by Sony Sports Network, fans were treated to a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they revisited two iconic cricketing moments. The videos showcased the brilliance of former Pakistani cricketers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Munawar, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Amir doesn’t just inspire, he defines inspiration

The first video highlighted Amir’s awe-inspiring performance, reminding viewers of his remarkable talent and dedication to the game. With a caption that reads, “Amir doesn’t just inspire, he defines inspiration,” the tweet encapsulates the impact that the left-arm fast bowler had on cricket fans worldwide. From his early rise to stardom to his memorable performances on the field, Amir’s journey remains an enduring source of motivation for aspiring cricketers everywhere.

Watch another never-missing piece

Viewers were treated to a glimpse of Munawar’s masterful bowling as he dismissed none other than the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. The footage serves as a testament to Munawar’s skill and precision on the cricket pitch, showcasing the moment when he outsmarted one of the greatest batsmen of all time. This particular dismissal of Tendulkar stands as a cherished memory for cricket enthusiasts, highlighting Munawar’s ability to rise to the occasion against the best in the world.

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As fans continue to reminisce about these unforgettable cricketing moments, the videos serve as a emotional reminder of the timeless appeal of the sport. Whether it’s witnessing the sheer brilliance of players like Amir or marveling at the skill of lesser-known talents like Munawar, cricket continues to captivate audiences with its magic and moments of brilliance.

The Afro Zimbabwe T10 is going strong and Yusuf Pathan has lit it up well. Facing Mohammad Amir, the Indian batter took a liking to his pace and showed that he can still play in his vintage manner as he launched Amir to the boundary hitting him for 25 runs in the over when his team needed 67 in three overs. Yusuf Pathan’s blitz came a touch late but still provided a lot of entertainment with the Pakistani bowler being given a nice hiding in the death of a T10 encounter.

His aggressive stroke play paid off in the end with his team qualifying for the Finals after successfully chasing 140. Yusuf Pathan alone hit 80 off just 26 balls in what was a marvelous display of unreal and clean ball striking.