Afghanistan Premier League returns with five-team franchise T20 league

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the launch of a new franchise-based T20 competition, the Afghanistan Premier League, with its inaugural season planned for October 2026 in the UAE. The tournament will feature five teams and is expected to include an international player draft around June or July 2026.

ACB had previously introduced a league with the same name in 2018, when a single season was held later that year with five franchises. That edition attracted several global stars, including Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum and Shahid Afridi. However, the tournament was discontinued after its first season amid reports of payment delays and concerns over governance and integrity.

The revamped league is being positioned as a fresh start, with improved administration and financial safeguards. ACB hopes the Afghanistan Premier League will provide exposure for Afghan players and strengthen the game.

"The inaugural season will feature five city-based franchises, bringing together Afghanistan's leading national players alongside prominent overseas professionals and emerging local talent," the ACB said in a press release as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"The Afghanistan Premier League represents a meaningful step forward in our cricketing journey. It creates new opportunities for our players, inspires the next generation, and allows Afghanistan cricket to be showcased on a global platform. We see the APL as an important contributor to the growth and unity of the game, both domestically and internationally,” said ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf at the launch in Dubai.

The ACB has partnered with Cricket Venture, a joint venture between Trans Group and ITW Universe, to manage and operate the new league. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will continue to host its domestic T20 competition, the Shpageeza Cricket League, which features five local teams and is held annually during the July-August window.

"Following the launch, organisers will move into the next phase, which includes finalising franchise identities, confirming commercial partners, and progressing the player auction or draft process," the release added.