The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Sunday (December 21) the launch of a new T20 franchise tournament, the Afghanistan Premier League. Notably, the upcoming league will feature five city-based teams, bringing together top Afghan players as well as foreign cricketers and emerging local talents.
The cricket board had announced a T20 league in 2018, but it only lasted for one season. This edition attracted several major international stars, including Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum and Shahid Afridi. Payment issues and questions about the league’s management and credibility led the board to step down.
Afghanistan Cricket Board announces launch of new T20 franchise tournament
The Afghanistan Cricket Board is gearing up to relaunch its franchise-based T20 league with a fresh start. The first season is expected to take place in October 2026, and the United Arab Emirates will likely host the tournament.
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The league also plans to hold its player draft around June or July 2026. This time, the ACB aims to build the competition on a stronger foundation by combining top Afghan national players with foreign stars and young local talents.
“The inaugural season will feature five city-based franchises, bringing together Afghanistan’s leading domestic players alongside prominent foreign professionals and emerging local talents,” the ACB said in a press release.
The league last took place in October 2018, with matches played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Balkh Legends became champions after defeating Kaboul Zwanan by four wickets in the final. Star spinner Rashid Khan finished player of the tournament.
A significant step forward in our cricket journey – Mirwais Ashraf, ACB President
ACB President Mirwais Ashraf said the Afghan Premier League would strengthen the future of the country’s cricket. He said the league would provide Afghan players with more growth opportunities, inspire young cricketers and help Afghanistan showcase its talent to a global audience.
“The Afghan Premier League represents a significant step forward in our cricketing journey,” Mirwais Ashraf said at the launch in Dubai on Saturday.
“This creates new opportunities for our players, inspires the next generation and allows Afghan cricket to be showcased on a global platform. We see the PLA as an important contributor to the growth and unity of the game, both domestically and internationally.”
Organizers will move to the next phase – ACB
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has partnered with Cricket Venture to manage and develop the new Afghanistan Premier League. Once the partnership is in place, the focus will be on creating franchise identities, finding sponsors and planning for the player draft or auction.
“After the launch, the organizers will move on to the next phase, which includes finalizing franchise identities, confirming business partners and progressing the auction or player selection process,” the statement said.
Alongside this new league, Afghanistan will continue to organize its domestic T20 competition, the Shpageeza Cricket League, which takes place every year between July and August with five local teams.
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