Dubai, November 3,2026: Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir was picked by Kandahar Warriors in the platinum category during the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) players’ draft on Tuesday, having registered for the tournament as a United Kingdom (UK) national.
Amir, who currently resides in England and acquired British citizenship in May this year, was selected by the Warriors with their first pick, ahead of veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. The APL is scheduled to be held later this year.
The left-arm pacer brings extensive franchise cricket experience, having featured in several T20 leagues, including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), International League T20 (ILT20), The Hundred and Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Amir has played 378 T20 matches, claiming 440 wickets at an average of 22.72 and an economy rate of 7.38.
At the international level, he represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20 internationals. His last appearance for the national side came against Ireland during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June 2024.
His registration as a UK national could have implications for his availability in the APL, as he may not require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), unlike players registered as Pakistani nationals.
Meanwhile, more than 30 Pakistani cricketers, including Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hasan Ali, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim, have registered for the draft.
However, their participation remains uncertain amid reported diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Media reports suggest the PCB is unlikely to issue NOCs to Pakistani players for the tournament.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also clarified that the participation of Pakistani players is subject to obtaining NOCs from the PCB.
The five-team tournament will allow each franchise to register a maximum of 18 players, including 11 to 12 Afghan players and six to seven overseas recruits.
Players have been divided into five categories, with platinum picks set to receive USD 100,000, followed by USD 65,000 for Diamond, USD 40,000 for Gold, USD 20,000 for Silver and USD 10,000 for Emerging players.
Each franchise will have a total player purse ranging from USD 650,000 to USD 750,000.
