Afghanistan Premier League is all ready to come back in full swing as the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announces the new T20 format-based tournament. Plans are done to advance Afghanistan cricket and give international exposure to local as well as international players.
Afghanistan Premier League First Season Scheduled for 2026
As per ACB, the first edition of the newly restored competition of the Afghan Premier League is scheduled in the last quarter of 2026, and this is expected to take place around October every year. Furthermore, this competition is expected to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with five city-based squads.
Background: New Beginnings for the Afghanistan Premier League
The ACB had earlier introduced the Afghanistan Premier League in 2018, but only one season had been conducted. Although they had lured world-class players like Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, and Shahid Afridi, they decided not to continue due to issues related to financial and integrity problems.
The incumbent season has been marketed as a rearranged and sustainable league, thereby alleviating all former worries and concentration towards renewed expansion.
Player Draft and Tournament Format
The draft or auction of the player would be expected to occur sometime in the months of June to July of the year 2026
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“Each franchise shall comprise:”
Best Afghanistan National Players
Overseas international cricketers
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Developing local talent
“The league will also mix experience and young talent in order to strengthen the cricketing environment in Afghanistan,” said the ACB.
ACB Chairman Spotlights League’s Vision
According to ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, Afghanistan Premier League is a big step in their cricket growth. ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf said that the Afghanistan Premier League would ensure:
- Provide fresh prospects for the player from Afghanistan
- Inspire young cricketers
- Encourage Afghanistan cricket on the international arena
- Bring about unity and development in the sport
The announcement was made during a launch event held in Dubai.
Strategic Partnership for the League
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has tied up with Cricket Venture, which is a joint venture of Trans Group and ITW Universe. The next level will encompass:
- Finalizing Franchise Names and Identities
- Obtaining commercial and broadcast sponsorship
- Moving draft or operational planning
Cricket in Afghanistan
Domestic Cricket Continues with Apart from the Afghanistan Premier League, the ACB will also be conducting the Shpageeza Cricket League. This is the domestic T20 competition in Afghanistan. It is conducted every year between July and August. It includes five domestic teams.
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