The Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20 has officially unveiled its three founding franchises and the competition’s championship trophy, marking a significant milestone ahead of the league’s inaugural season. The tournament is set to commence on December 27, 2026, with Axcel United Kabul, Balkh Zwanan, and Kandahar Warriors confirmed as the first three teams to compete.
These team identities were introduced during a formal ceremony held in Dubai, which brought together franchise owners, league partners, and representatives from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). During the event, officials also revealed the tournament trophy, dubbed the ‘Koh-E-Zafar.’ The trophy’s design is inspired by the rugged mountain ranges of Afghanistan, symbolizing resilience, strength, and the ultimate pinnacle of cricketing success.
ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf described the launch as a landmark moment for the sport in the region, emphasizing the league’s potential to create a pathway for young players. “The unveiling of our inaugural franchises and the Koh-E-Zafar trophy reflects our shared vision of building a league that inspires future generations,” Ashraf stated. The franchises have already begun outlining their strategic goals, with a heavy emphasis on regional development and talent scouting.
Balkh Zwanan, a name signifying youth, intends to focus on identifying and nurturing talent from northern Afghanistan by offering them a professional stage. Meanwhile, the Kandahar Warriors have signaled their intent to play with an aggressive style while cultivating a dedicated local fan base. As the December start date approaches, organizers are shifting their focus toward the player draft process. Registration for the inaugural draft opens on August 30, with the selection event scheduled for September 27. The league is currently working to finalize the remaining tournament schedule and confirm the official venues for the season.
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