NEW DELHI: The ACB has confirmed the launch of a new franchise-based T20 competition, the Afghanistan Premier League, scheduled for October 2026.

The tournament will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates and is expected to feature top Afghan players alongside notable international stars.

The league will include city-based franchises, and a player draft or auction will take place closer to the event. This marks a major step in Afghanistan’s plan to establish a high-profile, professionally run T20 competition.

A fresh start after 2018

The Afghanistan Premier League was first introduced in 2018, but that edition lasted only one season. While the tournament attracted attention due to the presence of international stars, it did not continue in the following years.

The upcoming 2026 edition is being approached as a fresh start. The goal is to create a sustainable, commercially successful league that provides a platform for Afghan talent while boosting the nation’s cricketing profile globally.

Building on international success

Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket has been remarkable over the past decade. The team’s historic performance at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals for the first time, showcased the depth and talent of the squad.

The new league aims to build on that momentum. It will give local players more exposure, strengthen the domestic cricket ecosystem, and inspire younger cricketers across the country.

The Afghanistan Premier League is being seen as a key milestone in the country’s cricket journey. Officials hope it will attract fans, sponsors, and international attention, helping Afghan cricket grow further.