Former Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir has joined the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) 2026 after being taken as the first overall pick by Kandahar Warriors, having entered the tournament as a British citizen.
Amir was selected in the Platinum category at Tuesday’s draft, held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. At Kandahar Warriors, he will line up alongside Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi, England batter Joe Clarke and South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius.
The 34-year-old acquired British citizenship in May and appeared in the draft register as a UK national, with Pakistan listed as his country of residence. The status could allow him to feature in the league without a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Amir played 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 62 T20 Internationals for Pakistan. His last international appearance came against Ireland at the T20 World Cup in June 2024. He has since continued in franchise cricket, including in England.
His selection comes amid uncertainty over other Pakistani players. More than 30 Pakistan cricketers registered for the draft, among them Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hasan Ali and Shan Masood.
However, according to reports, PCB is unlikely to issue NOCs because of diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
The APL will feature five teams, with each franchise permitted a maximum of 18 players. Platinum selections earn $100,000, the highest salary among the tournament’s five player categories.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on December 27, with Amir set to be one of its headline overseas signings.
