Afghanistan Premier League to launch on December 27 with five UAE-hosted franchises

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League (APL) will begin on December 27, adding another event to an increasingly crowded global T20 calendar.

Format and franchises

The tournament will be played in the United Arab Emirates and will feature five franchises representing major cricketing regions of Afghanistan: Kabul, Kandahar, Balkh, Paktia and Nangarhar.

The ACB has invited investors, sports entrepreneurs and commercial partners from around the world to bid for ownership of the teams. Proposals must be submitted by June 30, 2026.

Why the UAE

Staging the league in the UAE is expected to give it access to high-quality stadiums, modern broadcast infrastructure and a strong regional cricket audience. The ACB says it has built a commercial model, together with strategic partners, that emphasises sustainability, efficient operations and long-term value.

Afghan cricket’s wider story

Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket is widely seen as one of the sport’s most inspiring stories. The national side has become a competitive force, and Afghan players are in demand at leading T20 leagues around the world. Organisers also point to the support of millions of fans in Afghanistan and abroad, and to growing demand from broadcasters, sponsors and digital platforms for new cricket content.

Beyond the commercial side, the APL aims to create opportunities for Afghan players, strengthen the domestic game, promote Afghan culture internationally and support cricket’s long-term growth in the country.

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf called the league a strategic step for Afghan cricket. He said the aim is a sustainable, globally recognised property that showcases local talent, draws international investment and helps the game grow.