UAE pacer Mohammad Naveed has described his selection in the Afghanistan Premier League as one of his biggest achievements after being picked in Monday’s draft.

Naveed, 31, was drafted by Kandahar for the inaugural edition which will take place in Sharjah between October 5 and 21.

It will be his first major T20 tournament and Naveed is looking forward to testing himself against the elite next month.

“It is a big moment for me,” said Naveed. “It’s fantastic news because the Afghanistan Premier League is a very big league and has some of the world’s best players. I’m very excited and it’s a proud moment to be among the players who will be featuring in the tournament.”

Naveed was one of 18 players drafted in Dubai’s glittering draft ceremony and the UAE international will be sharing a dressing room with some of the world’s best players including former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz and English duo Sam Billings and Tymal Mills.

Naveed, who had been following the draft on social media, cannot wait to meet his new team-mates – especially McCullum.

“He’s (McCullum) one of the biggest names in world cricket who has scored so many runs at the highest level,” added Naveed. “He’s one of the batsmen I love to watch, while playing alongside Wahab Riaz is a dream for me. Being around these players will surely boost my game in becoming a better player.”

Despite a number of UAE internationals making themselves available for the draft, Naveed was the only one to be chosen and he expressed his disappointment that his other team-mates were overlooked.

“I’m a bit sad there won’t be other UAE players featuring because I feel we are all talented cricketers who can perform at the highest level,” he added. “I am more determined to give my best and make the UAE proud.”