Wasim Akram Declines Afghanistan Premier League Role
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has declined an offer to join the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) as a mentor, choosing to respect the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) policy on the tournament.
Akram was approached for a mentorship role in the league but decided against accepting it in line with the board’s stance on the competition, sources told Geo News on Thursday.
PCB refused NOCs for the Afghanistan Premier League
The PCB had earlier decided not to issue no-objection certificates (NOCs) to Pakistani cricketers seeking to take part in the tournament. In view of the board’s policy, Akram also opted against becoming involved in the league.
The decision shows how far the PCB’s stance reaches. It covers not only current players, who need an NOC to play in a foreign league, but also former greats approached for coaching and mentorship roles. Akram, one of Pakistan’s most respected former captains, would have been a high-profile addition to the APL. His refusal keeps the board’s position intact.
More than 30 Pakistani cricketers, including Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hasan Ali, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim, had registered for the players’ draft. None of them were selected, amid uncertainty about their participation and reported diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Media reports had earlier suggested the PCB was unlikely to issue NOCs for the competition.
Other Pakistanis still involved
Not every Pakistani has stayed away. Former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood was appointed head coach of Team Paktia, which will be captained by Rahmat Shah. Pace legend Waqar Younis was named the team’s ambassador.
Former fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who holds a United Kingdom passport, was signed by the Kandahar Warriors in the platinum category during Tuesday’s players’ draft. Amir, who lives in England and acquired British citizenship in May this year, registered for the draft as a UK national. The Warriors picked him with their first selection, ahead of veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi.
Amir’s case is different from the other Pakistani players. Because he entered the draft as a British national, he does not need a PCB NOC to play. That is why he could be picked while the 30-plus Pakistani-registered players were passed over.
Why the PCB is drawing a line
The PCB has tightened its control over where Pakistani players appear in foreign leagues this year. It has also demanded fees from leagues for NOCs, including a reported $10,000 per player for the Abu Dhabi T10, which starts on November 7. That dispute has left several Pakistani players in doubt for that tournament as well.
The APL sits in a more sensitive place than other leagues. It is Afghanistan’s franchise tournament, and it is being staged at a time of strained relations between the two neighbours. The board’s refusal to clear its players reflects that wider context, not only a commercial decision about NOC fees.
For the APL, the loss of Akram is a blow. A mentor of his standing would have added credibility to a new league trying to attract attention and sponsors. For the PCB, the episode confirms that its policy applies across the board, from current internationals to retired legends.
Pakistan’s cricket calendar moves on regardless. The PCB is in talks with New Zealand Cricket over the Black Caps’ tour of Pakistan in February-March 2027, a two-Test series in the World Test Championship. At home, Arafat Minhas has been nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for October after his tri-series performances. Pakistan also opened its SAFF Championship campaign this week, with India winning the opener 3-2 in Dhaka, and the country has launched a professional boxing board with Amir Khan. Geo Super reported Akram’s decision on Thursday.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Wasim Akram turn down the APL mentorship role?
He decided against accepting it in line with the PCB’s stance on the tournament. The board had decided not to issue NOCs to Pakistani cricketers for the league.
Which other Pakistanis are involved in the APL?
Azhar Mahmood is head coach of Team Paktia, Waqar Younis is the team’s ambassador, and Mohammad Amir was signed by the Kandahar Warriors as a UK national.
Why could Mohammad Amir play while other Pakistanis could not?
Amir holds a UK passport and registered for the draft as a British national, so he does not need a PCB NOC. More than 30 Pakistani-registered players were not selected amid uncertainty over their participation.
What is the Afghanistan Premier League?
It is Afghanistan’s franchise T20 league. Its players’ draft was held on Tuesday, with teams including Paktia and the Kandahar Warriors.
Has the PCB blocked players from other leagues too?
Yes. The board has demanded NOC fees from several leagues, including a reported $10,000 per player for the Abu Dhabi T10, leaving Pakistani players’ participation in doubt.
