Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has distanced himself from Kandahar Warriors’ decision to sign Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir for the 2026 Afghanistan Premier League (APL).
Pathan works with the franchise as brand ambassador. An interviewer asked him what experience he would share with the team’s two left-arm bowlers, Amir and England’s Tymal Mills.
Pathan first made clear that he had no say in the signings. “As far as the pick is concerned, I had no hand in that,” Pathan said. “My role is that of a Brand Ambassador. So my role doesn’t extend to that level.”
He said that selection decisions belong to the team’s leadership. Rashid Khan, he said, “has been given a free hand on how to run the team.” Pajhwok reported last month that Rashid will captain Kandahar Warriors.
Pathan said that he would still help if the team asked. “If I am asked, I will definitely contribute,” he said. He added that Amir and Mills are experienced bowlers, so he plans to spend his time with the franchise’s younger players.
“My main focus will be on the young bowlers, young cricketers, and young batters from Afghanistan,” Pathan said. “If they ever need any help or want to talk to me, I will always be available to share my experience.”
Kandahar Warriors made Amir the first overall pick in the Platinum category at Tuesday’s draft in Sharjah. The 34-year-old former Pakistan fast bowler registered as a British citizen, after acquiring citizenship in May, and lives in England. His status could allow him to play without a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Pathan’s comments carry extra weight because signings of Pakistani players by teams with Indian links have drawn heavy criticism before.
In March, Sunrisers Leeds signed Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for £190,000 at the first Hundred auction. The franchise belongs to India’s Sun Group, which also owns the IPL’s Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The signing set off a wave of angry posts from Indian fans, and the club’s X account was suspended.
Four Hundred franchises have Indian owners or stakeholders. Sunrisers Leeds were the only one to sign an active Pakistan player at the auction.
