The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a new franchise-based T20 league called the Afghanistan Premier League. The first season is expected to be held in October 2026 in the UAE. The tournament will feature five teams.

The new league, held under the same name, is likely to have its player draft around June or July 2026. International players are also expected to be part of the draft.

Earlier, ACB had launched a tournament with the same name in 2018. Only one season was played with five teams. That edition attracted several big stars, including Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, and Shahid Afridi. However, the league was discontinued after one season due to payment issues and concerns over management and integrity.

This new version is being seen as a fresh start. ACB has promised better planning and stronger financial support. The board hopes the Afghanistan Premier League will give more exposure to Afghan players and help grow cricket in the country.

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The stage is set for the Grand Launch Event of the second edition of the Afghanistan Premier League. Stay tuned, the excitement is just around the corner. 👏🤩#APLT20 pic.twitter.com/oMCGnOhBhZ

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 20, 2025

ACB Highlights Vision for Afghanistan Premier League

“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 Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said in a press release.

ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf spoke at the launch event in Dubai on Saturday and shared the board’s vision for the league. “The Afghanistan Premier League represents a meaningful step forward in our cricketing journey,” Ashraf said. “It creates new opportunities for our players, inspires the next generation, and allows Afghanistan cricket to be showcased on a global platform.” He added that the APL will help the growth and unity of the game at both domestic and international levels.

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League Management and Domestic T20 Plans

The ACB has partnered with Cricket Venture, a joint venture between Trans Group and ITW Universe, to manage and operate the new league.

“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.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan will continue to host its domestic T20 tournament, the Shpageeza Cricket League. The competition features five domestic teams and is held every year during the July–August window.