Twenty-nine Pakistan cricketers have registered for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) draft. However, their participation remains doubtful as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unlikely to grant them No-Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Several major Pakistan players are part of the list. They include Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz. Fakhar Zaman has also registered for the tournament.
The APL is scheduled to begin on December 27, 2026. A total of 462 players from different countries have been shortlisted for the draft.
Ten Bangladesh players have also registered. Shakib Al Hasan is in the Diamond bracket, while Rishad Hossain is in the Platinum bracket. Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mushfiqur Rahim are also part of the list.
PCB stance could block Pakistan players
The PCB has taken a strict approach towards NOCs for overseas franchise leagues in recent months. The board had refused NOCs to seven Pakistan players for the Nepal Premier League in October.
A similar issue had emerged during Major League Cricket in July. The disputes reportedly involved a USD 25,000 fee that the PCB wanted franchises to pay for each Pakistan player.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also added to the uncertainty.
When asked about the possibility of NOCs for the APL, a PCB official gave a short response: “I don’t think so.”
This means most of the 29 registered players may not be allowed to play in the tournament.
Mohammad Amir’s registration has also attracted attention. The former Pakistan pacer has entered the draft as a United Kingdom national. He holds British citizenship and lists the UK as his country of residence.
The APL will feature five teams. Each side can have six to seven overseas players. Franchise purses will range from USD 650,000 to USD 750,000. Platinum players will have a fee of USD 100,000.
