The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced the return of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), a franchise-based T20 tournament scheduled to begin around October 2026. The competition will feature five teams and is planned to be hosted in the UAE, marking a major step forward in Afghanistan’s cricketing ambitions.
This announcement signals a revival of the APL name, which was previously launched in 2018 but saw only one season due to financial and integrity-related concerns. With renewed structure, partnerships, and long-term planning, the ACB aims to position the new APL as a stable and globally respected T20 league.
Afghanistan Premier League 2026: Format, Teams, and Vision
The inaugural season of the revived Afghanistan Premier League will include five city-based franchises. According to the ACB, the league will bring together top Afghanistan national players, exciting young domestic talent, and well-known overseas professionals, creating a competitive and entertaining tournament.
The player draft or auction is expected to take place around June or July 2026. In the coming months, the board will focus on finalising franchise identities, securing commercial partners, and completing operational planning for the event.
ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf described the league as a milestone for the country’s cricket development. Speaking at the launch event in Dubai, he said the APL would open new opportunities for Afghan players, inspire younger generations, and showcase Afghanistan cricket on a global stage. He also emphasized the league’s role in strengthening unity and growth within the sport, both domestically and internationally.
Lessons from the Past and the Road Ahead for Afghan T20 Cricket
The original Afghanistan Premier League was held in 2018 and featured five teams, with global stars such as Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, and Shahid Afridi taking part. Despite the star power and initial excitement, the tournament was discontinued after one season due to payment disputes and governance concerns.
This time, the ACB has partnered with Cricket Venture, a joint venture between Trans Group and ITW Universe, to ensure better management and commercial stability. The board appears determined to avoid past mistakes and deliver a sustainable league model.
Alongside the APL, Afghanistan will continue hosting its established domestic T20 competition, the Shpageeza Cricket League, which takes place annually in the July–August window. Together, these tournaments are expected to strengthen Afghanistan’s cricket ecosystem and provide consistent exposure for local players at both domestic and international levels.
With clearer planning and stronger partnerships, the Afghanistan Premier League 2026 could become a defining platform for Afghan cricket’s future.
