England’s top‑order batsman Ollie Pope announced on 12 October that he will not take part in the Afghanistan Premier League T20 draft, citing criticism surrounding the competition and describing the league as controversial while noting his withdrawal from the player selection process.
Overseas all‑rounder Will Smeed and England paceman David Willey have also stepped away from the draft, reflecting growing unease among foreign talent about participating in the Afghanistan tournament, which has attracted criticism over its governance and safety standards.