Jamaican stars Chris Gayle and Andre Russell along with Shahid Afridi and Brendon McCullum are among a host of high-profile internationals set to feature in the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League from October 5 to 21 in the United Arab Emirates.

These players were picked as “icon players”, along with Rashid Khan by the five franchises.

They will line-up alongside Mohammad Shahzad, Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Afghan and other stars of Afghanistan cricket.

The five franchises – representing Paktia, Kabul, Balkh, Nangarhar and Kandahar – picked their squads via draft in Dubai on Monday night.

Each team had to select between 17 and 20 players, with five overseas and one Associate player compulsorily in the squad.

Gayle is the icon player for the Balkh squad while Russell was selected by Nangarhar. Rashid Khan joins Kabul, McCullum goes to Kandagar while Afridi is to suit up for Paktia.