Afghanistan Premier League returns in new avatar from December 27

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that the relaunch of the franchise-based Afghanistan Premier League (APL) will begin on December 27, 2026, with three initial teams unveiled at a ceremony in Dubai.

Franchises & Trophy Unveiled: Three of the participating teams have been officially confirmed: Axcel United Kabul, Balkh Zwanan, and Kandahar Warriors. The ACB also revealed the tournament's official trophy, named the "Koh-E-Zafar" (Mountain of Victory).

Expansion Plans: While original plans aimed for a five-team competition including sides representing Paktia and Nangarhar, the ACB is currently in ongoing negotiations to finalize the remaining two franchises.

Venues & Draft Dates: Although official venues are pending, the inaugural season is expected to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rather than Afghanistan. The player draft portal opens on August 30, with the main draft scheduled for September 27.

Tournament Background: The APL originally held its first and only season in 2018 featuring stars like Chris Gayle and Shahid Afridi, but was shelved due to payment and integrity issues. Domestic T20 cricket in Afghanistan has since been maintained through the annually played Shpageeza Cricket League.

"Zwanan means youth, and that is not decoration on a badge - it is our mandate," the Balkh Zwanan owners said. "Balkh and the north have talent that has never had a professional pathway. We intend to scout it, sign it, and put it on a stage where the whole country and the wider cricketing world can see it."