Mohammad Amir enters Afghanistan Premier League draft using British citizenship

Mohammad Amir Headlines Afghanistan Premier League Draft Pool

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir is among the biggest names entered in the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) player draft, scheduled to take place in Dubai on November 3. The left-arm pacer has been placed in the Platinum category—the draft’s highest tier—making him a potential headline signing for one of the tournament’s five franchises.

Amir’s entry is notable not only for his reputation as an international bowler but also for the details listed in his registration. He has entered the draft using his British citizenship, acquired in May 2026, with the United Kingdom named as his country of residence. Pakistan remains his affiliated national cricket board.

The APL draft is expected to bring together established international performers, overseas professionals and emerging players from associate cricket nations. With the tournament due to begin in December, franchises will be looking to use the Dubai selection event to assemble balanced squads ahead of the new season.

Amir’s International Career and Franchise Cricket Plans

Amir’s final international appearance for Pakistan came against Ireland at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Lauderhill, Florida. Across three spells representing Pakistan between 2009 and 2024, he collected 119 wickets in 36 Tests, 81 in 61 one-day internationals and 71 in 62 T20 internationals.

Since moving away from international cricket, the 34-year-old has continued to pursue opportunities in franchise competitions. He has played in leagues including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and is also looking toward domestic T20 cricket in England, including the T20 Blast and The Hundred.

His British citizenship may widen the range of competitions available to him, although eligibility rules, league regulations and the requirements of individual cricket boards will determine where he can play. His situation has prompted comparisons with Pakistan-born Azhar Mahmood, who appeared for Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab in the IPL between 2012 and 2015 despite restrictions affecting Pakistani nationals in that competition. Amir’s registration is not, by itself, confirmation that he will be eligible for any particular league or franchise.

Why Amir Could Be a Valuable APL Signing

Amir’s T20 record gives franchises a clear reason to consider him early in their draft planning. He has taken 334 wickets in 279 T20 innings, with an average of 22.70 and an economy rate of 7.45. His best figures in the format are 6 for 17.

The numbers are backed by a skill set suited to different phases of a T20 match. Amir can use swing and seam movement with the new ball, while his experience in high-pressure franchise games has also given him opportunities to bowl at the death. For teams seeking a proven left-arm option, that combination could make him particularly attractive.

He also holds a place in PSL history: Amir claimed the competition’s first-ever hat-trick during the 2016 season. Four years later, he was part of the Karachi Kings side that secured its maiden PSL title in 2020. Those milestones, alongside his experience across multiple leagues, could strengthen his appeal to APL teams looking for both bowling quality and a seasoned presence in the dressing room.

Indian and Associate-Country Players Add Depth to the Draft

Amir is one of several experienced players in a draft pool of 462 cricketers. Former India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has registered in the Gold category, alongside former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar and spinner Murugan Ashwin. Their presence adds further competition for franchises seeking players with experience in high-level domestic and professional cricket.

The list also includes players connected to a range of associate nations. Oman batter Ayaan Khan and former India Under-19 captain Unmukt Chand, who now represents the United States, are among the names entered. The UAE contingent includes Rahul Chopra, Akshdeep Nath, Alishan Sharafu, Aryan Afzal Khan and Dhruv Parashar.

Other Indian-origin players in the pool include Kenya’s Vraj Patel and Kuwait’s Yasin Patel. Their inclusion reflects the increasingly international nature of franchise cricket, where teams can draw on talent developed across established cricketing nations and growing associate programmes.

Pakistan NOC Questions and APL Draft Predictions

One issue to watch is whether current Pakistani domestic players will be available for the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to withhold No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for some domestic cricketers seeking to participate in the APL, amid wider cross-border cricket policies. Any restrictions could affect the pool of players available to franchises and influence their draft strategies.

APL draft prediction: Amir is likely to attract serious interest because Platinum status, international experience and a strong T20 record make him one of the most prominent fast-bowling options in the pool. His eventual destination, however, will depend on franchise priorities, squad budgets and the tournament’s eligibility rules. Teams could also weigh his availability against the demands of other leagues and England’s domestic T20 calendar.

The November 3 event in Dubai will therefore be more than a routine player selection. It will offer an early indication of how the five franchises plan to balance established names with emerging talent, while also highlighting the growing role of associate-country players in the competition. The APL is scheduled to begin in December; the IPL mini-auction, meanwhile, is set to take place separately in Goa on December 16.