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Former India National Cricket Team all-rounder Irfan Pathan began his reply with an 'I have nothing to do' remark when he was asked about the selection of the former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir by Kandahar Warriors from the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) 2026 draft.
Because of the political issues between India and Pakistan, whenever a franchise associated with any Indian firm or Indian personality picked a Pakistani cricketer for their respective team, it faced major backlash from cricket fans across social media platforms. The inclusion of Mohammad Amir in Kandahar Warriors squad also could spark a controversy around because of the association of the former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan.
Irfan Pathan breaks silence on selecting Mohammad Amir
Ahead of the newly branded Afghanistan Premier League, Kandahar Warriors appointed Irfan Pathan as their brand ambassador. As the ambassador of the franchise, the former pace bowling all-rounder is technically the face of the team.
After the pick of Mohammad Amir and Tymal Mills from the draft, Pathan was asked to express his views on the team-building process. To avoid any controversy, the former cricketer straightaway clarified that he had nothing to do with the players' selection.
"First of all, I have nothing to do in the pick because my job is to be the brand ambassador. So my job is not up to that level," said Irfan Pathan.
Irfan Pathan clarifies his role in Kandahar Warriors
Further in the brief interview, the 42-year-old mentioned that Afghanistan's superstar cricketer Rashid Khan will have to take on a massive responsibility to run the team. Ravi Bopara, the former England all-rounder, who has been appointed as the head coach of Kandahar Warriors, is among the few personalities who were involved in the players' selection process.
"Rashid Khan, who is our leader, whether he does the captaincy or gives the captaincy to someone else, that is his responsibility. But he has a free hand in how he runs the team. There is Bopara as coach. He is also involved there. It is the responsibility of all of them," Pathan added.
He further mentioned that if the team asked him to share his knowledge, he would be there to support the team. Pathan claimed that his focus will be on the younger cricketers of Afghanistan.
"But if I am asked, I will definitely contribute. My focus will be on the young bowlers of Afghanistan, young cricketers, and young batters. If they need any help and want to talk to me, I will always be available to share my experience," Pathan concluded.
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Mohammad Amir joins Kandahar Warriors as a British citizen
Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir joins the APL franchise not as a Pakistani cricketer, but as a British citizen. The 34-year-old fast bowler acquired British citizenship in May this year and was listed as a UK national in the draft.
He may not require the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take part in the league. Amir will join the team with Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi, England batter Joe Clarke, and South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius.
