Kandahar Warriors pick Mohammad Amir in Platinum category at APL auction

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been picked by Kandahar Warriors in the Platinum category of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) players' draft, having entered the process as a United Kingdom national.

The left-arm pacer was the Warriors' first pick at Tuesday's draft, ahead of veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Amir, who lives in England, acquired British citizenship in May this year and holds a UK passport.

More than 30 Pakistani players, including Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hasan Ali, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim, have registered for the draft, according to reports.

Their participation, however, remains uncertain amid reported diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Media reports suggest the PCB is unlikely to issue NOCs to its players for the league. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also said that Pakistani players must obtain clearance from the PCB to take part.

The APL will comprise five teams, each allowed to register up to 18 players, including 11 to 12 Afghan players and six to seven overseas recruits.

Players have been divided into five categories, with Platinum picks set to receive $100,000. The remaining categories carry payments of $65,000 for Diamond, $40,000 for Gold, $20,000 for Silver and $10,000 for Emerging players.

Each franchise will have a total player budget of between $650,000 and $750,000.