The Afghanistan Premier League, announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, will begin on December 27, 2026 in the UAE. The T20 league will feature five franchises from Kabul, Kandahar, Balkh, Paktia and Nangarhar. It aims to develop Afghan cricket, provide global exposure to players, and use UAE infrastructure for smooth hosting.

Kabul: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that the inaugural edition of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) will begin on December 27, 2026, marking a significant step in the country's cricketing journey.

Tournament structure and franchises
The T20 tournament will be hosted in the UAE and feature 5 franchises from the main cricketing areas of Afghanistan - Kabul, Kandahar, Balkh, Paktia and Nangarhar.

Afghanistan's rise in international cricket
The launch of the league follows Afghanistan's impressive emergence on the international stage in the past decade, the nation establishing itself as a potent force in global cricket, while individual Afghan players have risen through the ranks to become sought after entities in all major franchise leagues worldwide.

Platform for emerging talent
The APL is expected to provide a big platform for the country's rising stars to ply their trade alongside and against experienced domestic and international professionals. It is also hoped the league will bolster the sport's infrastructure and player development prospects within the country.