Mohammad Amir APL Draft Entry as UK National
Mohammad Amir APL draft news has stirred debate in Pakistan cricket, after the former Pakistan pacer registered as a UK national for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) draft, scheduled to take place in Dubai on Tuesday, November 3.
Amir, 34, currently lives in England and has acquired British citizenship. He has been listed as a UK national in the draft register, with Pakistan shown as his country of residence, and he has been placed in the Platinum category, the top tier of the draft.
His registration has also raised the possibility of him entering the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction as an overseas player. The IPL mini-auction is scheduled to take place in Goa on December 16, where it will become clear whether any franchise expresses interest in signing the left-arm pacer.
Mohammad Amir APL draft: what the registration means
The immediate advantage of registering as a UK national concerns availability. Amir may not require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), unlike his former Pakistan teammates.
That point matters because the participation of Pakistani players in the APL remains uncertain. Media reports suggest the PCB is unlikely to issue NOCs to its players for the tournament, amid reported diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s draft register has also clarified that the participation of Pakistani players is subject to obtaining NOCs from the PCB. A PCB spokesperson appeared to rule out that possibility when speaking to Cricbuzz, saying: “I don’t think so.”
Amir’s case therefore sits apart from the wider Pakistani group. His British citizenship changes the paperwork, even though his cricketing identity remains tied to Pakistan, where he played 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 62 T20 Internationals.
The IPL question, and the Azhar Mahmood precedent
The IPL question follows naturally from the APL registration, but it remains speculation for now. No franchise has signed Amir, and no auction outcome can be known until December 16 in Goa.
There is, however, a precedent that explains why the speculation persists. Former Pakistan international Azhar Mahmood played in the IPL for Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders between 2012 and 2015 while holding a British passport. That example shows how a British passport changed eligibility in the past, without guaranteeing that the same route opens again.
Amir last played for Pakistan in June 2024, against Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida, during the ICC T20 World Cup. Since then, he has played as a local player in English domestic competitions, including the T20 Blast and The Hundred, a status linked to his residence and citizenship in England.
How the APL draft works
The APL will feature five teams, with each franchise permitted a maximum of 18 players, comprising 11 to 12 Afghanistan players and six to seven overseas recruits. Players have been divided into five categories, with fees set at USD 100,000 for Platinum, USD 65,000 for Diamond, USD 40,000 for Gold, USD 20,000 for Silver and USD 10,000 for Emerging players.
Amir’s Platinum placing signals that organisers view him as a marquee recruit, even at 34 and two years after his last Pakistan appearance. Whether a franchise picks him on November 3 will depend on squad needs, price and availability.
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What happens next
The first answer comes on November 3, when the Dubai draft decides whether Amir is picked and by whom. The second comes on December 16 in Goa, if he registers for the IPL auction and franchises show interest.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mohammad Amir’s APL draft status?
Mohammad Amir APL draft entry lists him as a UK national, with Pakistan shown as his country of residence, in the Platinum category for the draft in Dubai on November 3.
Why does Amir’s UK citizenship matter for the APL?
Registering as a UK national may mean Amir does not require a PCB No-Objection Certificate, unlike his former Pakistan teammates, whose participation is subject to PCB NOCs.
Will Mohammad Amir play in the IPL?
That is not decided. His APL registration has raised the possibility of entering the IPL auction in Goa on December 16, but no franchise interest or signing has been confirmed.
Is there a precedent for a Pakistan-born player in the IPL?
Yes. Azhar Mahmood played in the IPL for Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders between 2012 and 2015 while holding a British passport.
How many matches did Amir play for Pakistan?
Amir represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 62 T20 Internationals, last playing against Ireland in June 2024 at the T20 World Cup.
