Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir made headlines yet again, recently. This time it was for revelations about his residential status in the United Kingdom. In an interview with a Pakistani media outlet, he shared that the country had granted him asylum indefinitely and even his kids will receive education there itself.
He didn’t rule out getting a permanent residence in Britain, which might even make him eligible to be picked in the Indian Premier League in the future. Amir himself admitted that he looks forward to continuing his career for another 6-7 years in T20 leagues, after he had to retire from international cricket due to citing friction with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
If he gets a British citizenship, he could follow into the footsteps of former Pak all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who despite having played for Paksitan, went on to represent the erstwhile Kings XI Punjab in the IPL.
On that note, we relive the most memorable performances by Pakistani players in the IPL, to which Mohammad Amir’s name might just be added in the coming years.
Sohail Tanvir vs CSK
Part of the inaugural IPL-winning team, Rajasthan Royals, Tanvir was a crucial cog in Shane Warne’s well-oiled machinery. He performed both with the ball and the bat, with his personal best coming against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings. His six-wicket haul, included high-profile scalps of Stephen Fleming and Albie Morkel. His record stood for more than eleven years before being broken by Mumbai Indian’s Alzarri Joseph in 2018.
Shoaib Akhtar vs DD
One of the most feared fast-bowler of his generation, Akhtar was unable to enjoy a prolonged IPL season like Tanvir, due to injury issues. But he sure lit up the Eden Gardens as Kolkata Knight Riders defended a 133-run total against the Delhi Daredevils. Akhtar reduced Delhi to 4 for 28 by dismissing all of their top four batsmen. He was awarded the man of the match and remains one of the most unforgettable fast bowling displays for KKR till date.
Umar Gul vs KXIP
In the absence of Shoaib, another Pak pacer Umar Gul took up the mantle for KKR, this time against the formerly KXIP. In a thoroughly deserved man of the match performance, he picked up four wickets and later produced an 11-ball 24 to help navigate a tricky chase.
Azhar Mahmood v RCB
Mahmood, under a British passport, was a consistent performer for Punjab in the 2012 season. A four-wicket haul against Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore guided his team to victory and earned him a man of the match trophy as well.
Mohammad Asif vs DC
The former swing bowler, who was later banned for match fixing, showcased his wasted talents briefly in the IPL too. Alongside an economical-as-ever Glenn McGrath, he produced even more miserly figures of 19/2 in four overs to set up an easy chase for the Delhi Daredevils batsmen against the Deccan Chargers in 2008. Thanks to Virender Sehwag’s fireworks, they won with almost seven overs to spare.
Image source: Cric Tracker
