Afghanistan has officially announced the launch of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), a franchise-based T20 tournament scheduled to begin in October 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.
The announcement was made during a formal launch ceremony hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in the UAE on Saturday. The event brought together cricket officials, commercial partners, players, and guests, where the league’s logo, tentative schedule, and participating team structure were officially unveiled.
ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf described the APL as “a meaningful step forward in our cricketing journey,” saying the league will create new opportunities for Afghan players and inspire future generations.
The inaugural edition of the APL will feature five city-based franchises, combining Afghanistan’s leading national players with international stars and emerging local talent. The player draft is expected to take place in June or July 2026.
ACB officials said the new edition will operate under improved governance and financial oversight. This is aimed at avoiding the challenges faced by the 2018 APL, which, despite attracting global stars such as Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, and Shahid Afridi, was marred by payment disputes and transparency concerns.
By staging the league in the UAE, the ACB aims to ensure international visibility, operational stability, and greater commercial interest. Officials believe the APL will complement Afghanistan’s domestic Shpageeza Cricket League while strengthening the country’s overall cricket infrastructure.
Cricket fans can expect high-quality competition featuring a mix of Afghan and overseas players, following the successful franchise models of leagues such as the Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, and Pakistan Super League.
Preparations for the tournament are already underway, including finalizing franchise identities, securing sponsors, and progressing broadcast negotiations. Detailed schedules, team line-ups, and commercial partnerships are expected to be announced in the coming months.
The ACB also noted that increased participation of Afghan players in international T20 competitions, including Australia’s Big Bash League, will further support player development ahead of the APL’s debut season.
