Mohammad Amir Registers for Afghanistan Premier League Draft
The former Pakistan pacer has entered the APL draft from the UK, where he lives and holds British citizenship.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Soccer
Former Pakistan international Mohammad Amir has registered for the Afghanistan Premier League draft, scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, in Dubai. The 34-year-old is listed in the Platinum category of the draft register.
Why it matters
The registration places a former Pakistan international in a franchise-based league despite his UK residence and British citizenship, raising questions about how the draft treats players based abroad. Amir's entry also comes as former Indian internationals Vijay Shankar and KS Bharat have registered for the same draft.
Amir has played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20Is, and last appeared for Pakistan in June 2024 against Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida. The draft includes 462 shortlisted players in the Gold category alone.
The players
Mohammad Amir
A former Pakistan fast bowler who played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20Is, and is now based in England.
Vijay Shankar
A former India all-rounder who has retired from all forms of the game, including the IPL.
KS Bharat
A former India wicketkeeper-batter who has retired from all forms of the game, including the IPL.
The details
Amir's draft entry lists him as a Pakistan national with residence in the United Kingdom, even though he has reportedly acquired British citizenship. Vijay Shankar and KS Bharat, who have retired from all forms of the game including the IPL, have also registered for the APL draft.
Timeline
June 2024: Amir last played for Pakistan, against Ireland in Florida during the ICC T20 World Cup.
November 3, 2026: The Afghanistan Premier League draft is scheduled in Dubai.
December 16, 2026: The IPL mini-auction is scheduled in Goa, where franchise interest in Amir will become known.
Season Trajectory
The APL draft's international pool of former Pakistan and India players reflects the league's effort to build a competitive roster beyond Afghan domestic talent. Amir's registration sits alongside the IPL mini-auction in December, where his market value will be tested against a different set of franchises.
Amir's registration in the Platinum category means a franchise could draft him into the APL roster on November 3, which would make him available for the league's upcoming season. Fantasy and franchise managers tracking his availability should watch both the APL draft result and the December 16 IPL auction outcome.
The takeaway
Registration for multiple leagues at once is becoming common for veteran players, and Amir's case shows how nationality and residence can be listed differently across draft systems. Readers following player movement should track both the APL draft and the IPL auction for clarity on where he ends up.
What happens next
The Afghanistan Premier League draft takes place in Dubai on November 3, 2026, and the IPL mini-auction follows in Goa on December 16, 2026, where Amir's franchise interest will be known.
Further reading
For more on international league drafts and player registrations, see Soccer.
