The Afghanistan Cricket Board unveiled the relaunch of the Afghanistan Premier League at a ceremony in Dubai on Saturday. The Afghanistan T20 League will feature five franchises and commence in September 2026 in the United Arab Emirates, following a seven-year hiatus.
The Afghanistan Premier League (APL) marks its return as an annual event. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) hosted the launch event in Dubai. Officials revealed the new logo and confirmed the tournament structure. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan announced the second season will include five franchises. The league will run in September and October under a ten-year agreement.
This APL relaunch marks the culmination of years of planning. The ACB resolved issues from the 2018 inaugural edition. It established a transparent process to select investors. The board secured permissions for venues in the UAE. Scheduling avoids conflicts with the 2025 World Cup and the Indian Premier League. Extreme summer heat in the UAE also influenced the September 2026 window.
APL Relaunch Details Announced
The Afghanistan Cricket Board held the special ceremony in Dubai. Attendees included the Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to the UAE. Investors, members of the International Cricket Council, Asian Cricket Council officials, representatives from the Emirates Cricket Board, and players attended the event.
Naseeb Khan, ACB CEO, said: “The second season of the APL, featuring five franchises, will be held in September 2026 in the UAE.”
He added: “It took nearly three years to resolve issues from the inaugural season, establish a transparent procurement process, secure credible investors, and obtain legal stadium permissions in the UAE.”
Khan further explained: “Due to the 2025 World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the extreme summer heat in the UAE, the APL has been scheduled for September 2026.”
Team names remain undisclosed. Each franchise will combine a company name with a team identity. Announcements will follow later.
The Afghanistan Premier League builds on earlier partnerships. In July 2025, the ACB signed a long-term commercial deal with ITW MEA. ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf described the partnership as crucial to the organization’s growth. The agreement covers multiple editions.
Ashraf stated at the signing: “The relaunch of the Afghanistan Premier League is a momentous achievement for Afghan cricket and its passionate fans who have long awaited this occasion. We believe this league will serve as a crucial platform for nurturing talent and raising the standards of cricket in Afghanistan.”
Background on Afghanistan T20 League
The original Afghanistan Premier League ran in 2018 in Sharjah, UAE. Five teams competed. Balkh Legends won the title. Disputes and logistical challenges halted further seasons.
The ACB continued domestic cricket through the Shpageeza Cricket League. This annual T20 event features regional teams in Kabul. It provides opportunities for local players.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board APL now shifts to a franchise model. It aims to attract overseas professionals alongside Afghan stars. This structure mirrors the success of leagues in the region.
Cricket remains popular across South Asia. Fans in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan closely follow the T20 format. The APL relaunch provides Afghan players with increased exposure. It boosts revenue for the Afghanistan Cricket Board. The league supports talent development amid international commitments.
The event in Dubai signals a commitment to professionalism. Partners include ITW MEA and others experienced in global cricket management.
What’s Next for Afghanistan Premier League
Organisers will finalise franchise details soon. Player drafts or auctions may occur in mid-2026. Commercial partnerships and broadcasting rights follow.
The Afghanistan Premier League positions itself as a global platform. It showcases Afghan talent while inviting international players. Annual editions start from 2026.
The revival of the Afghanistan T20 league strengthens cricket infrastructure. It inspires young players in the region. The Afghanistan Cricket Board APL promises exciting competition ahead.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 21st, 2025
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