Is IPL the Reason for Mohammad Amir to Retire?

Mohammad Amir, shortly after announcing his retirement from test cricket at the age of 27, is reportedly looking to settle in the United Kingdom.

Amir has been married to a British national, Nargis Malik, since September 2016 and is eligible for a spouse visa, which allows him to stay in England for 30 months.

“He is planning to obtain a British passport and permanently settle down in England in future,” a source was quoted saying.

The source said that his wife would allow him to the benefits of a complete citizens.

“With a spouse visa he can work freely and enjoy other benefits as a permanent resident of the UK which is why he is planning to also purchase a house in England,” the source added.

Amir announced his retirement from the longest format having played 36 Tests

Emerging from Pakistan’s famous school of prodigal fast bowlers, Amir’s promise was cut out very shortly into his career, when he was banned for spot-fixing.

Though he was welcomed ino the side after serving his ban, it took time for him to bowl with the same menace. Retiring at just 27, he remains a promise unfulfilled.

Can Mohammad Amir play in IPL?

The intentions behind the retirement is yet unknown, but the speculations of settling in UK is certainly pointing towards a lucrative prospect. It is a well known fact that Pakistan players are not allowed to play in the IPL. But if Mohammad Amir manages a UK citizenship, will he be allowed to play in the IPL? Will BCCI allow Amir, the UK citizen? Is this the ultimate intention of Mohammad Amir?

While all these are a little far away at the moment, the questions certainly seem viable.

A few Pakistani greats including Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar have slammed Mohammad Amir’s decision to retire from Test cricket at such an early age.

“To me Mohammad Amir retiring from Test cricket is a bit surprising because you peak at 27-28 and Test cricket is where you are judged against the best, it’s the ultimate format. Pakistan will need him in two Tests in Australia and then three in England,” Wasim Akram tweeted.