Three former Indian Premier League (IPL) players are exploring fresh opportunities in overseas franchise cricket, with their names featuring among the registrations for the upcoming Afghanistan Premier League (APL) player draft scheduled to take place in Dubai on November 3.
The growing interest among former Indian cricketers in extending their careers through overseas T20 leagues after stepping away from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)-regulated domestic circuit and the IPL, as a Cricbuzz report confirmed the trio’s registration for the upcoming auction.
The Afghanistan Premier League draft could therefore provide another opportunity for these former IPL campaigners to showcase their experience and skills in a different franchise environment. Their previous exposure to the IPL and international cricket could make them interesting options for teams looking to strengthen their squads.
Who are the Three Indian players registering for Afghanistan Premier League?
The three players who have registered for the November 3 draft are Vijay Shankar, KS Bharat and Murugan Ashwin.
Shankar, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans all-rounder, announced his retirement from domestic cricket and the IPL in May 2026. The 35-year-old represented India in 12 ODIs and nine T20Is. Across 78 IPL appearances, he scored 1,233 runs and claimed nine wickets. His last IPL appearance came for CSK in the 2025 season. Source.
Bharat, meanwhile, represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. The wicketkeeper-batter played seven Tests for India, including the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. He announced his international retirement in June 2026 and subsequently explored opportunities in overseas leagues, including the UAE’s franchise circuit. Source.
Murugan Ashwin completes the trio. The former Tamil Nadu spinner has played for the likes of RCB and MI in the IPL, and the leg-spinner retired from domestic cricket and the IPL in May 2026. He featured in 44 IPL matches, claiming 35 wickets, and is now looking to explore opportunities beyond Indian cricket.