Afghanistan has officially announced the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, a franchise-based cricket tournament scheduled to begin in October 2026 in the UAE.

The new league aims to showcase Afghan talent alongside global stars and strengthen the country’s cricketing ecosystem.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) hosted a formal launch event in the UAE on Saturday, bringing together officials, commercial partners, players, and invited guests. During the ceremony, the board unveiled the league’s logo, proposed schedule, and the number of participating teams.

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf described the APL as “a meaningful step forward in our cricketing journey,” emphasizing its role in creating opportunities for Afghan players and inspiring the next generation.

Franchise-based T20 league structure

The inaugural APL season will feature five city-based franchises, blending Afghanistan’s top national players with international stars and emerging local talent. The player draft is expected to take place in June or July 2026.

The league will operate under improved management structures to avoid the issues that plagued the 2018 edition, which faced payment disputes and transparency concerns despite attracting big names like Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, and Shahid Afridi.

International appeal

By hosting the APL in the UAE, the ACB aims to provide global exposure for Afghan cricketers while attracting commercial investment. Officials hope the league will complement Afghanistan’s domestic Shpageeza Cricket League and strengthen the nation’s cricket infrastructure.

Fans will also have the opportunity to witness high-quality cricket featuring local and international stars, mirroring the global success of leagues like the IPL, BBL, and PSL.

Preparations are already underway, including finalizing franchise identities, securing commercial partners, and advancing the draft process. The league is set to kick off in the last quarter of 2026, with detailed schedules, team models, and broadcast rights expected to be revealed in the coming months.

Afghanistan’s emerging cricket stars will also gain exposure through international T20 competitions, such as the KFC BBL 07 in Australia, offering further growth opportunities.