The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the launch of a new T20 competition, the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), scheduled to begin in October 2026.

 

According to a press release issued by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, the inaugural season will feature franchises from five cities, showcasing prominent Afghan national players alongside international stars and emerging local talent.

 

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf unveiled the league at a launch ceremony in Dubai on Saturday.

 

"The Afghanistan Premier League represents a significant advancement in our cricket journey. It will create new opportunities for our players, inspire the next generation, and highlight Afghan cricket on the global stage," Ashraf stated.

 

The tournament's first season will take place in the United Arab Emirates in October 2026, with the player draft or auction expected in June or July 2026.

 

The Afghanistan Cricket Board previously launched a tournament under the same name in early 2018, but only one season took place. That edition featured several world-renowned players including Chris Gayle, Brendan McCullum, and Shahid Afridi. 

 

However, officials shut down the league due to payment issues and concerns about transparency.

 

Afghanistan currently hosts the Shpageeza Cricket League, its domestic T20 competition, annually from July to August. Five domestic teams participate in that tournament.

 

The new league by the same name is likely to have its draft around June-July 2026.