Afridi for Paktia; Rashid Khan to represent Kabul in APL T20

Dubai - Five teams will battle it out from October 5 to 23

Shahid Afridi's vast experience will be put to use when he represents Paktia, while Chris Gayle will wield the willow for Balkh in the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League (APL T20) which will get underway from October 5 to 23 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Among the other iconic players to be picked during the player draft was Afghanistan's 19-year-old leggie Rashid Khan who will be seen in Kabul colours, while Andre Russell and Brendon McCullum will ply their trade for Nangarhar and Kandahar respectively.
Five teams will battle it out over 23 matches it was announced at the Hilton Al Habtoor Dubai on Monday.
With over 400 players available from 25 countries including Afghanistan, UAE, Netherlands, Scotland, Canada, Oman, Kenya, USA, Germany, Hong Kong, Nepal, Italy, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ireland, West Indies, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan for the tournament it opens the door for youngsters to contest against the world's best.
There are 17 players from the UAE and 98 players from Afghanistan up for grabs in the inaugural player draft.
Former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, who is the head coach of the Nangarhar team, said he was happy with the team that was selected. "It's been a collective decision. We have got wonderful coaches and one of the best spinner's in the side. So basically we have got a good all-round team and we hope to make it count."
Speaking at the occasion Shafiqullah Stanikzai, CEO, Afghanistan Cricket Board said: "Each owner is supposed to have a minimum $5,55,000 and a maximum $700,000 player purse.
The Franchise will have an additional purse of $145,000 to purchase three players and if there is an unspent amount after picking the entire team, the same can be retained."
clareto@khaleejtimes.com