Eight Bangladeshi cricketers have submitted their names for the upcoming player draft of the second Afghanistan Premier League (APL) season. The list of participants from Bangladesh features seasoned stars including Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mustafizur Rahman. Joining these experienced veterans are Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Towhid Hridoy, and Rishad Hossain.
The draft has attracted significant international interest, with over 1,000 players from across the globe registering to participate. Notable international names include West Indies stars Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, and Alzarri Joseph. England is represented by players such as Luke Wood, Reece Topley, and James Vince, while Sri Lanka’s contingent includes Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Although organizers initially planned to hold the draft on September 27, the event was postponed. According to the revised schedule, the selection process is now slated to take place on October 24 in the United Arab Emirates. Following the draft, the second season of the tournament is tentatively scheduled to commence on December 27.
Media reports suggest the delay in the draft schedule was due to the ongoing process of finalizing ownership for two of the league’s five franchises, though three have already been secured. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has not yet issued an official statement regarding the delay. Whether the eight Bangladeshi players secure a spot in the final teams will be determined during the draft, which could potentially expand the nation’s representation in the Afghan franchise cricket circuit.
