Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been picked by Kandahar Warriors in the Platinum category for the upcoming Afghanistan Premier League (APL) after registering for the tournament as a British national.
Amir, who acquired British citizenship in May this year and currently resides in England, was Kandahar Warriors’ first pick during Tuesday’s players draft, ahead of veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi.
His British passport could allow him to participate in the tournament without obtaining a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), unlike other Pakistani cricketers.
More than 30 Pakistani players, 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.
According to media reports, the PCB is unlikely to issue NOCs to Pakistani players for the tournament. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also clarified that Pakistani cricketers must obtain clearance from the PCB to participate.
Amir brings extensive franchise cricket experience, having represented teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), International League T20 (ILT20), and The Hundred.
The left-arm pacer has taken 440 wickets in 378 T20 matches at an average of 22.72 and an economy rate of 7.38. He also represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, with his final international appearance coming against Ireland during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June 2024.
The upcoming APL will feature five franchises, with each team allowed a maximum squad of 18 players, including 11 to 12 Afghan players and six to seven overseas recruits.
Players have been divided into five categories, with Platinum players receiving $100,000, followed by Diamond ($65,000), Gold ($40,000), Silver ($20,000), and Emerging ($10,000).
Each franchise will operate with a player budget ranging from $650,000 to $750,000.
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