Mohammad Amir goes first overall in APL 2026 draft as a British citizen

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir was selected first overall by Kandahar Warriors at the Afghanistan Premier League 2026 draft on Tuesday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The 34-year-old, who acquired UK citizenship in May and was listed as a British national, was chosen in the Platinum category and will join Mohammad Nabi, Joe Clarke and Dwaine Pretorius at the franchise.

Amir played 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 62 T20 Internationals for Pakistan, with his last international appearance coming against Ireland at the 2024 T20 World Cup in June. His British status may allow him to take part in the league without a No-Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

More than 30 Pakistan cricketers, including Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hasan Ali and Shan Masood, registered for the draft. The board is reportedly unlikely to issue NOCs because of diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The league will have five teams with up to 18 players each, and Platinum players earn $100,000 (Dh367,250), the top salary category. The tournament begins on December 27.