Vijay Shankar, KS Bharat and Ashwin register for Afghanistan Premier League draft

Vijay Shankar, KS Bharat and Murugan Ashwin Enter APL Draft

Former India cricketers Vijay Shankar, KS Bharat and Murugan Ashwin are among the notable names available for selection at the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) players’ draft, scheduled to take place in Dubai on Tuesday, November 3. All three have been placed in the Gold category of a 462-player shortlist, giving the league’s five franchises a chance to add experienced players with Indian cricket backgrounds to their squads.

The draft is a major step in preparations for the APL’s inaugural season, planned for December 2026. With a mix of Afghan internationals, overseas professionals and players from associate cricket nations, the selection process is expected to shape the competition’s balance and appeal. For fans following the league’s latest developments, the draft will offer an early indication of team strategy—and plenty of scope for prediction about which players could make the biggest impact.

How the APL Draft Shortlist Was Formed

Approximately 1,500 Afghan and overseas cricketers registered for the tournament. Organisers then assessed the applicants and named 462 players for the final draft pool. Those players have been divided into five groups: Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver and Emerging. Franchises will make their selections based on their squad requirements and the league’s roster rules.

The category system gives teams a structured way to build squads, balancing high-profile international experience with emerging talent. While the full selection picture will only become clear after the draft, the shortlist already suggests that franchises will have access to a varied pool of specialists, including batters, wicketkeepers, all-rounders and spin and pace bowlers.

Indian Experience Among the Gold-Category Options

Vijay Shankar and Murugan Ashwin have retired from Indian domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League to pursue opportunities in overseas competitions. Both are registered as Indian nationals in the APL draft. KS Bharat, meanwhile, is listed as an Indian player residing in the United Arab Emirates.

Each brings a different kind of experience. Shankar has featured for Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans in the IPL. A seam-bowling all-rounder, he can offer a team flexibility in the middle order and an additional bowling option. His value may depend on how a franchise plans to balance its batting depth and bowling resources.

Bharat has represented several IPL sides, including Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders. As a wicketkeeper-batter, he could appeal to a franchise seeking depth behind the stumps as well as a reliable option in the batting order. A player’s role in the APL may differ from their previous IPL assignments, but experience in high-pressure professional cricket can be valuable in a new competition.

Leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin has played for six IPL teams, among them Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. His familiarity with franchise cricket could be useful in a tournament where teams are still establishing their playing identities. Conditions, match-ups and squad balance will all influence how much responsibility he receives.

Players of Indian Origin in the Wider Pool

The shortlist also includes several cricketers of Indian origin who represent associate nations. These include Unmukt Chand of the United States; Rahul Chopra, Akshdeep Nath, Alishan Sharafu, Aryan Afzal Khan and Dhruv Parashar of the UAE; Ayaan Khan of Oman; Vraj Patel of Kenya; and Yasin Patel of Kuwait.

Their inclusion reflects the increasingly international nature of franchise cricket. Players who have developed in different national systems can bring varied skill sets and experience to a tournament. For the APL, their availability also creates opportunities to connect with cricket audiences across multiple regions.

Mohammad Amir Headlines the Platinum Category

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir is among the draft’s most prominent international names. The 34-year-old has been placed in the Platinum category and is registered as a Pakistan national residing in the United Kingdom, where he has acquired British citizenship.

Amir’s international record includes 36 Test matches, 61 one-day internationals and 62 T20 internationals for Pakistan. His last appearance for the national side came against Ireland at the ICC T20 World Cup in June 2024 in Lauderhill, Florida. His left-arm pace and experience in major international tournaments could make him an attractive option for teams seeking a proven fast bowler.

Amir is also expected to register for the IPL mini-auction scheduled for December 16 in Goa. His possible involvement in multiple franchise opportunities is likely to draw attention, although a player’s listing in a draft does not guarantee selection. Teams will weigh availability, role, form and squad composition before making their decisions.

There is precedent for Pakistan-born players with British passports appearing in the IPL. Former Pakistan international Azhar Mahmood represented Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders between 2012 and 2015 while holding a British passport. Amir’s situation may therefore prompt discussion about eligibility and the changing pathways available to experienced players in global franchise cricket.

Five Captains Confirmed for the APL’s First Season

The APL has five franchises representing Balkh, Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar and Paktia. Organisers have already completed the Captains Draft, naming the players who will lead each side in the league’s first season.

Afghanistan star leg-spinner Rashid Khan will captain Kandahar, while opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed leader of Balkh. All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai will guide Kabul, Rahmat Shah will lead Paktia and wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz will take charge of Nangarhar.

The appointments give the franchises a strong foundation ahead of the main players’ draft. Each captain offers a different profile: Rashid brings extensive experience in international and franchise cricket, while the other leaders are established figures in Afghanistan’s national setup. Their influence could extend beyond on-field decisions, helping teams establish a clear identity during the tournament’s opening season.

What to Watch for in the November 3 Draft

With the captains confirmed and 462 shortlisted players available, attention now turns to how franchises will complete their squads. The Gold and Platinum categories contain several recognisable names, but successful team-building will depend on more than star power. Clubs will need to consider specialist roles, overseas-player availability, leadership depth and the balance between experienced professionals and emerging cricketers.

The APL’s inaugural season remains some distance away, but the draft is an important early milestone. Shankar, Bharat, Ashwin and Amir each offer a different combination of skills and experience, while the wider shortlist points to a competition with a broad international footprint. Once selections are complete, fans will have a clearer basis for prediction about which franchises may start as early contenders—and which new combinations could become the tournament’s most compelling stories.