After years of Afghan cricketers featuring in franchise leagues around the world, Afghanistan is set to launch its own domestic T20 franchise competition. The inaugural Afghanistan Premier League (APL) will begin on December 27 this year, with five teams competing in the opening edition.
Due to security concerns, Afghanistan is unable to host international cricket on home soil. As a result, the inaugural APL will be staged in the United Arab Emirates at an ICC-approved venue, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed.
The ACB has also indicated that future editions could be held at alternative venues outside the UAE.
Five franchises will take part in the first season, with three already confirmed.
Two of the three confirmed franchises are owned by Indian-origin businessmen. Amit Kaushal, founder and chairman of Aksel Group, has acquired a team named Aksel United Kabul.
Dubai-based business group Bullfrog's Pankaj Chadha and Ashish Mehta have acquired the Kandahar Warriors. The same ownership group also owns the Pokhara Avengers in the Nepal Premier League.
Meanwhile, Afghan-American entrepreneur and long-time supporter of Afghan cricket Shakaib Rahimi has acquired the Balakh Jawanān franchise.
Discussions are ongoing with two US billionaire businessmen and several Indian corporate groups for the remaining two franchises.
The ACB has awarded the league rights to UAE-based Cricket Ventures LLC-FZ to operate and promote the APL. The company has a joint venture with ITW Universe's MENA subsidiary.
Speaking about the tournament, ITW Universe co-founder Bhairav Shant said the focus now was on ensuring successful execution.
“What's important now is the execution. Player registration will begin on August 30, the inaugural draft will take place on September 27, and the first ball is scheduled to be bowled on December 27,” Shant said.
He added, “During this period, we need to finalise the remaining franchises, commercial partners, broadcast standards and an experience for fans that matches the standards we have already implemented across other Afghanistan-related events.”
