Afghanistan announces a five-team franchise-based T20 league

[Ball Blazer]

Afghanistan Premier League Set for Relaunch in 2026​

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled plans for a new franchise-based T20 competition, the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), scheduled to begin in October 2026 in the UAE. The inaugural edition will feature five city-based teams, with a player draft expected around June–July 2026.

This marks the second attempt at an APL. The first version, launched in 2018, lasted just one season. Despite attracting global stars such as Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, and Shahid Afridi, the league was discontinued amid payment disputes and concerns over integrity.

In a press release, the ACB stated: “The inaugural season will bring together Afghanistan’s leading national players alongside prominent overseas professionals and emerging local talent.”

At the launch event in Dubai, ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf described the league as “a meaningful step forward in our cricketing journey… creating new opportunities, inspiring the next generation, and showcasing Afghanistan cricket on a global platform.”

The ACB has partnered with Cricket Venture, a joint venture between Trans Group and ITW Universe, to run the tournament. Organisers will now focus on finalising franchise identities, securing commercial partners, and preparing for the player auction.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s domestic Shpageeza Cricket League will continue in its traditional July–August window, featuring five local teams.

 

[Ball Blazer]

Rashid Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi playing in one team please

Oh they won't sign Pakistan players...

 

[jnaveen1980]

NZ20 is coming in. So window will become narrower by the day.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

NZ20 is coming in. So window will become narrower by the day.

It will be quite small scale. Better if they enter 2 teams in big bash Wellington and Aukland.

 

[sweep_shot]

Another T20 league.

There are so many leagues. Hard to keep track.

 

[LegendAli]

LOL whose next Zimbabwe and Ireland?

Interest will be very low for this Afghanistan league.

 

[Devadwal]

India should allowed to play fringe players for Afghanistan T20 league.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Even they are going for Player Auction mode

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I wonder who will be desperate enough to play in this league. Players should do some due-diligence before agreeing to play in some of these T20 leagues that are popping up. Especially when there is a high likability that there will be payment issues.

 

[Katwalindian]

Rashid Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi playing in one team please

Oh they won't sign Pakistan players...

Pakisran International calender is packed with 9 tests so I don't think he will be available...

 

[Fenrir]

Rashid Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi playing in one team please

Oh they won't sign Pakistan players...

PCB will not allow any Pakistani players to play in APL.

 

[Fenrir]

India should allowed to play fringe players for Afghanistan T20 league.

Indian companies or rich Indians can buy APL teams and pick upcoming Indian players.

 

[gazza619]

Salman Agha stands a great chance to be finally picked by a foreign T20 league.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I wonder who will be desperate enough to play in this league. Players should do some due-diligence before agreeing to play in some of these T20 leagues that are popping up. Especially when there is a high likability that there will be payment issues.

It helps it is in the UAE.

A few days in the sun playing fun cricket, and even if they get 50% of their payment, players can leave happy.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Need a consolidation of these leagues.

I don't see this league making any money at all.

Neither do I see NZ20 being successful. Just join the BBL for crying out loud.

 

[Major]

India should allowed to play fringe players for Afghanistan T20 league.

Bas bas, than the indian players would be made hostages and more people have to be freed from indian jails which u will cry about for next 20 years

 

[Devadwal]

Afghanistan league will happen in UAE. If BCCI allowed Indian player's then it will be pass Below poverty league like PSL in few years

Bas bas, than the indian players would be made hostages and more people have to be freed from indian jails which u will cry about for next 20 years

Bas bas, than the indian players would be made hostages and more people have to be freed from indian jails which u will cry about for next 20 years

 

[DeadlyVenom]

India should allowed to play fringe players for Afghanistan T20 league.

Maybe Modi himself will be selected

 

[Ball Blazer]

LOL whose next Zimbabwe and Ireland?

Interest will be very low for this Afghanistan league.

Initially yes. But given Ind-Afg improving relations, I think India will step up for the league such as ipl owners' new teams in APL