Afghanistan Cricket Board Announces New T20 League with Franchise Teams

Cricket fans in Afghanistan have reason to celebrate as the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled plans for a new Twenty20 league. Tentatively named the Afghanistan Premier League, this tournament is slated to begin in the final quarter of 2026. According to current projections, the matches will be held in the United Arab Emirates.

This isn't the first time the ACB has ventured into the realm of franchise-based T20 cricket. An earlier iteration of the Afghanistan Premier League emerged in 2018. That initial effort, also featuring five teams, attracted considerable attention, drawing in global stars like Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, and Shahid Afridi. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. that league faced significant challenges, including payment disagreements and integrity concerns, which ultimately led to its discontinuation.

Looking ahead, the ACB anticipates holding the player draft for the new Afghanistan Premier League around June or July of 2026.

"The inaugural season will showcase five city-based franchises, uniting Afghanistan's top national players alongside distinguished international professionals and promising local talent," stated the ACB in a recent press release.

Mirwais Ashraf, the chairman of the ACB, spoke at the launch event in Dubai, emphasizing the league's potential impact. "The Afghanistan Premier League signifies a vital step forward in our cricketing development," he said. "It unlocks fresh opportunities for our athletes, serves as an inspiration for the next generation, and provides a platform to showcase Afghan cricket on the world stage. We view the APL as an essential element in fostering the growth and unity of the sport, both within Afghanistan and on an international level."

The ACB has entered into a partnership with Cricket Venture, a collaborative effort between Trans Group and ITW Universe, to bring this league to fruition.

According to the press release, the next steps involve solidifying franchise identities, securing commercial partnerships, and advancing the player auction or draft process.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's domestic T20 competition, the Shpageeza Cricket League, continues to be held annually, featuring five domestic teams competing during the July-August timeframe.