The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is moving forward with plans to relaunch the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) on December 27, 2026. Despite circulating reports suggesting potential delays due to hurdles in securing franchise owners, CEO Naseeb Khan has dismissed these concerns, confirming that the board remains on schedule to host a five-team tournament. “I would like to make it clear that the APL is firmly scheduled for this year with five teams. The player draft is scheduled for the last week of October, and the league will officially commence on 27 December 2026.
Currently, the ACB has successfully secured three franchise owners and is in active discussions with five potential parties to fill the final two slots. These interested groups originate from Afghanistan, India, and other international markets. Naseeb emphasized that the selection process is deliberate, focusing on long-term stability rather than immediate expediency. The board aims to partner with credible, financially secure organizations capable of sustaining the league’s future growth. When contacted by, ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan brushed aside possibilities of postponing the tournament due to the non-availability of interested parties to take up remaining two franchise spots. According to as everyone is aware, the league is being revived after a considerable period, and we have therefore taken a careful and strategic approach to selecting our commercial partner and franchisees,”, Naseeb. “It is important to highlight that the commercial partners and franchisees are among the most important stakeholders of the league and are expected to remain involved for the long term.
This revival effort comes after an extended hiatus following the inaugural 2018 season, which featured the Balkh Legends, Kabul Zwanan, Kandahar Knights, Nangarhar Leopards, and Paktia Panthers. The Balkh Legends secured the title in that first year, but subsequent attempts to host the tournament struggled, notably failing after the ACB terminated its commercial rights agreement with Snixer Sports over unpaid fees. According to however, it was, The APL could be postponed owing to the ACB’s difficulty in finding parties for the tournament which is set to resume after the inaugural edition in 2018.
Preparation for the upcoming season is well underway, with a player draft confirmed for the final week of October. The response from the global cricketing community has been robust, drawing approximately 1,500 player registrations, including prominent international stars. To manage the talent pool, a specialized committee is currently screening applicants to ensure they meet established criteria. Afghan coaches have been assigned to help lead these teams, with further staff and captain selections set to occur during the draft process. With around 1,500 players registered, including a number of top international players from around the world,” Naseeb said, the response from players has also been very encouraging.
Regarding the composition of the league, the ACB intends to host the inaugural matches in the UAE while maintaining flexibility to shift venues in the future. A significant point of discussion has been the inclusion of English cricketers, given the current diplomatic tensions surrounding the Taliban government’s policies, which have led the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to cancel bilateral series with Afghanistan.
Addressing the potential for international cooperation, Naseeb expressed optimism that English players would be granted permission to compete. He reiterated the ACB’s commitment to maintaining respectful relationships with global boards, including the ECB. Naseeb noted that the growth of the sport relies on the cross-border movement of players, and the ACB continues to support its own players participating in overseas leagues. He stated his hope that other boards will reciprocate this spirit of cooperation to benefit the broader development of global cricket.
