Afghanistan Premier League set for December 27 launch with five franchises

Afghanistan’s long‑awaited T20 league will finally debut on December 27, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board confirming a five‑team inaugural season. After years of Afghan players excelling in global competitions, the APL will give them a platform of their own. The first edition will be staged in the UAE, though the ACB has left the door open for future relocation. Three franchises have already been secured: Akcel United Kabul, owned by Amit Kaushal; Kandahar Warriors, purchased by Pankaj Chadha and Ashish Mehta; and Balkh Zwanan, owned by Afghan‑American entrepreneur Shakaib Rahimi. Discussions continue for the remaining two teams.

The league will be operated by Cricket Ventures LLC‑FZ in partnership with ITW Universe. Co‑founder Bhairav Shanth said the goal is to build a professionally run, globally visible league that develops Afghan talent. Player registration opens August 30, followed by a September 27 draft, setting the stage for the APL’s first ball on December 27.