Afghanistan has officially announced the launch of the Afghanistan Premier League, a franchise-based T20 tournament. The new competition is scheduled to begin in October 2026. All matches will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates.
The league aims to promote Afghan cricket at an international level. It will feature local talent alongside well-known global players. Officials believe the tournament will strengthen Afghanistan’s cricket structure and provide fresh opportunities for young players.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the plans during a formal launch event held in the UAE on Saturday. The ceremony was attended by cricket officials, commercial partners, players, and invited guests. During the event, the ACB revealed the league’s official logo. It also shared early details about the schedule and team format.
ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf addressed the gathering at the launch. He described the Afghanistan Premier League as an important step forward. He said the league would help Afghan players gain exposure and inspire the next generation. He also stressed the board’s commitment to professionalism and transparency.
The first season of the league will feature five city-based franchises. Each team will include top Afghan national players. International stars and emerging local cricketers will also be part of the squads. The player draft is expected to take place in June or July 2026.
The ACB has promised better planning and management this time. The earlier 2018 edition faced issues related to payments and transparency. Despite featuring famous names, those challenges affected its credibility. Officials say lessons have been learned from that experience.
Hosting the Afghanistan Premier League in the UAE is seen as a strategic move. It will allow better logistics and global visibility. The location is also expected to attract sponsors and broadcasters. This exposure could boost Afghanistan’s cricket economy.
The league is designed to complement the Shpageeza Cricket League. Together, both tournaments will support domestic player development. Fans can expect competitive matches and high-quality cricket.
Preparations are already underway. The ACB is working on franchise identities and commercial agreements. Broadcast rights and full schedules will be announced later.
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The Afghanistan Premier League is set to begin in the final quarter of 2026. Officials hope it will place Afghan cricket among the world’s leading T20 leagues.
