Mohammad Amir has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) 2026 draft after registering as a UK national, a development that could help him avoid the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) complications facing several Pakistan cricketers. The former Pakistan fast bowler has been included in the Platinum category for the player draft scheduled to take place in Dubai on November 3.
The Mohammad Amir APL 2026 draft registration has attracted considerable attention because more than 30 Pakistan players have also entered the draft. However, their availability remains uncertain as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly unlikely to issue NOCs for the tournament amid diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Amir, who is 34 years old, currently lives in England and has acquired British citizenship. Although Pakistan is mentioned as his country of residence in the draft register, he has officially been listed as a UK national. This distinction could prove significant when it comes to the PCB’s clearance requirements.
Why Mohammad Amir registered for APL 2026 as a UK national
The biggest advantage of Amir’s registration as a UK national is that he may not require an NOC from the PCB in the same way as players registered as Pakistan nationals.
The left-arm pacer has already stepped away from international cricket, having last represented Pakistan in June 2024 during the T20 World Cup match against Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida. He previously announced his international retirement in 2020 before making a comeback in 2024.
Amir has represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20Is, establishing himself as an experienced international fast bowler.
His British citizenship has now opened an interesting possibility for his franchise cricket career. However, his exact eligibility for different tournaments will depend on the relevant competition regulations and governing bodies.
PCB unlikely to issue NOC for Pakistan players in APL 2026
While Amir’s situation is different, several established Pakistan cricketers could face difficulties participating in the Afghanistan Premier League 2026 draft.
More than 30 Pakistan players feature in the register, including Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hasan Ali, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has clearly mentioned that the availability of Pakistan players is subject to receiving NOCs from the PCB.
A PCB spokesperson reportedly indicated that permission was unlikely. When asked about issuing NOCs for Pakistan players participating in the APL, the spokesperson told Cricbuzz, “I don’t think so.”
The reported decision is linked to diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. If the PCB refuses to grant clearance, several prominent players could miss the tournament despite registering for the draft.
This could become a major challenge for the organisers, who are hoping to attract established international cricketers to make the competition more competitive.
Mohammad Amir IPL 2027 auction possibility creates interest
Another major talking point surrounding Amir is the possibility of entering the Mohammad Amir IPL 2027 auction conversation.
There is a precedent involving former Pakistan international Azhar Mahmood, who played in the IPL between 2012 and 2015 for Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders while holding a British passport.
His participation demonstrated that a former Pakistan international could feature in the competition under a different nationality, subject to the applicable eligibility rules.
Amir could potentially explore a similar opportunity. However, his APL registration does not automatically guarantee IPL eligibility or confirm that he will enter the auction.
Whether any IPL franchise shows interest in the experienced fast bowler remains to be seen. The situation will depend on his registration, eligibility and the applicable IPL rules.
Vijay Shankar and KS Bharat among Indian players in APL draft
The Afghanistan Premier League 2026 draft has also attracted attention because of the presence of former Indian internationals Vijay Shankar and KS Bharat.
Both players have retired from all forms of cricket, including the IPL, and have registered for the upcoming competition.
Vijay Shankar has been listed as an Indian national, while KS Bharat is registered as an Indian player residing in the UAE. Both have been placed in the Gold category alongside Murugan Ashwin.
Other players of Indian origin include Unmukt Chand (USA), Rahul Chopra (UAE), Akshdeep Nath (UAE), Alishan Sharafu (UAE), Aryan Afzal Khan (UAE), Ayaan Khan (Oman), Dhruv Parashar (UAE), Vraj Patel (Kenya) and Yasin Patel (Kuwait).
Their presence highlights the international reach of the tournament and the growing opportunities available through franchise cricket.
Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi headline APL 2026
Afghanistan’s biggest cricketing names are expected to be among the major attractions of the competition.
Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will headline the list of Afghan stars, alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ibrahim Zadran and Noor Ahmad.
The tournament will feature five franchises, with each team permitted to have a maximum of 18 players. Each squad is expected to include 11-12 Afghanistan players and six to seven overseas recruits.
The organisers have also established five salary categories for the draft:
- Platinum: USD 100,000
- Diamond: USD 65,000
- Gold: USD 40,000
- Silver: USD 20,000
- Emerging: USD 10,000
Each franchise will have a player purse ranging between USD 650,000 and USD 750,000.
The APL organisers believe the competition can become an important platform for Afghanistan cricket and attract international attention.
For Amir, the upcoming draft could represent another opportunity to continue his professional cricket career while his former Pakistan teammates face uncertainty over their participation.
The biggest question now is whether the PCB will maintain its reported position on NOCs and whether Amir’s British citizenship could open another door in international franchise cricket.
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