Mohammad Amir’s recent acquisition of British citizenship has created an unusual situation ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2027 season.
The former Pakistan fast bowler, who has always featured as a domestic player in the PSL, now expects to be classified as an overseas player-a move that could have significant implications for both him and his franchise.
Here’s what we know.
Why is Mohammad Amir now considered an overseas player?
Amir recently confirmed that he has become a British citizen.
Speaking on Wisden’s The Scoop Extended, the left-arm pacer revealed that his new citizenship means he will no longer qualify as a local player in the PSL.
While his passport allows him to be treated as a domestic player in English cricket, the same status has the opposite effect in Pakistan, where he is now expected to occupy one of a team’s overseas slots.
Why was Amir a domestic player before?
Despite playing county cricket and franchise leagues around the world, Amir had always represented PSL teams as a Pakistani domestic player because of his citizenship status.
That allowed franchises to use their overseas slots on foreign stars while still fielding Amir as part of their local contingent.
His British passport changes that equation.
Why is this a problem for Rawalpindiz?
The complication lies in Amir’s existing contract.
Rawalpindiz signed the left-arm quick for PKR 5.4 crore ahead of PSL 2026 on a two-year deal, meaning his contract is still valid for the 2027 season.
However, those agreements were signed when Amir was classified as a domestic player.
If he is now officially considered overseas, the franchise may have to reshuffle its squad planning.
What options does the PCB have?
The Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet clarified how Amir’s case will be handled.
Several possibilities remain:
- Rawalpindiz could retain Amir and count him as one of its overseas players.
- The franchise may have to renegotiate his existing contract.
- The PCB could allow an exemption because the contract was signed before his citizenship status changed.
- In the most drastic scenario, Rawalpindiz could release Amir and re-enter negotiations through the auction process.
At this stage, none of these options has been confirmed.
Why does the overseas classification matter?
PSL franchises have strict limits on overseas players.
Under the league’s current regulations:
- Teams can include only a limited number of overseas players in their squad.
- Only three to four overseas cricketers can feature in the playing XI.
If Amir occupies one of those spots, Rawalpindiz would have one fewer overseas slot available for international stars, potentially affecting their squad balance.
Why is he a domestic player in England but overseas in Pakistan?
The difference comes down to each competition’s eligibility rules.
Because Amir now holds a British passport, he qualifies as a local player in England, meaning counties and franchises do not have to use an overseas slot on him.
In Pakistan, however, PSL classifies players based on their eligibility as domestic Pakistani cricketers. Since Amir now holds British citizenship and has indicated he is no longer considered a local player under league regulations, he is expected to be registered as an overseas cricketer.
Has the PCB made a decision?
No.
While Amir has confirmed his expected change in status, the Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to issue an official clarification on how it will affect his existing Rawalpindiz contract.
Until the PCB outlines its position, questions remain over whether Amir will continue under his current deal or whether Rawalpindiz will need to adjust its overseas player quota ahead of PSL 2027.