New Delhi

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed the launch of a new franchise-based T20 league, reviving the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), with the inaugural edition of the revamped tournament expected to be staged in the UAE around October 2026, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

The upcoming edition is set to feature five teams, marking the return of the APL after several years. The league was first introduced in 2018, when only one season was held. That edition, which also comprised five franchises, attracted several global cricketing stars including Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum and Shahid Afridi. However, the tournament was subsequently discontinued due to concerns over delayed player payments and questions surrounding governance and integrity.

According to the report, the player draft for the new APL is tentatively scheduled for June or July 2026.

In a statement quoted by ESPNcricinfo, the ACB said the tournament would consist of five city-based franchises and would bring together top Afghan national players, experienced overseas professionals and promising local talent. The board described the league as a platform to showcase Afghanistan cricket at an international level while strengthening the domestic ecosystem.

ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf said the relaunch of the Afghanistan Premier League marks an important milestone in the country’s cricketing development. He said the league would create new pathways for Afghan players, motivate young cricketers and help present Afghanistan’s cricketing talent to a global audience.

“We view the APL as a significant step forward that will contribute to the unity and growth of the game, both within Afghanistan and internationally,” Ashraf said.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has partnered with Cricket Venture for the league’s organisation. Cricket Venture is a joint enterprise formed by Trans Group and ITW Universe.

Following the formal launch, the organisers will move into the next phase of preparations, which includes finalising franchise names, confirming commercial partnerships and completing arrangements for the player auction or draft, the release said.

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Meanwhile, the ACB will continue to organise its established domestic T20 competition, the Shpageeza Cricket League, which is held annually during July and August and features five domestic teams.