ACB launches Afghanistan Premier League, invites investors for franchise ownership

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also forayed into franchise T20 cricket, as it announced the inaugural edition of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) on Friday, June 12. The maiden edition of the tournament will begin on December 27, 2026 and is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The region will provide APL access to world-class venues, state-of-the-art broadcast infrastructure, premium production standards, and a large, cricket-loving regional audience. The tournament will feature five franchises representing Afghanistan's major cricketing regions, namely Kabul, Kandahar, Balkh, Paktia, and Nangarhar.

Coupled with Afghanistan's rapidly expanding pool of elite cricketing talent and the attraction of international stars, the APL is well-positioned to establish itself as a highly competitive and commercially appealing tournament from its very first season.

The ACB has invited investors, sports entrepreneurs, and commercial partners from around the world to participate in the franchise ownership process, with proposals due by 30 June 2026.

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf revealed that their target is to establish a globally recognised cricketing league that puts Afghan talent on the world map.

“The Afghanistan Premier League is a strategic step forward for Afghan cricket. Through the APL, we aim to establish a sustainable and globally recognised cricket property that showcases Afghan talent, attracts international investment, and contributes to the long-term growth of the game,” Ashraf said in a media release.

APL enters market at a crucial time

The APL arrives at a time when global demand for high-quality cricket content is at an all-time high. Broadcasters, sponsors, and digital platforms are increasingly investing in premium cricket properties that can engage audiences throughout the year.

Beyond delivering top-class entertainment, the league aims to provide greater opportunities for Afghan cricketers, strengthen the country's cricketing ecosystem, promote Afghanistan's culture on the global stage, and contribute to the continued rise of one of the world's fastest-growing cricketing nations.