The idea of hosting international cricket in Afghanistan might once have seemed far-fetched. But for Afghanistan Cricket Board’s Chief Executive Naseeb Khan, that dream is now steadily taking shape.
In a candid conversation with Cricbuzz during his recent visit to Bangladesh for the Asian Cricket Council’s Annual General Meeting, Naseeb shared wide-ranging insights into the board’s ambitious plans — from reviving the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) to strengthening domestic cricket and improving infrastructure across the country.
Reviving the APL: An Ideal Window and the Right Partner
“To be very honest, we believe the second edition of the APL has an ideal window in October-November, and that remains a strategic choice for us. This period sees fewer franchise leagues globally, and the weather in the Middle East—where we intend to host the tournament—is highly suitable for cricket. The key challenge has always been finding the right partner, and I’m pleased to say we now have that in place.”
Naseeb is confident that the APL will offer a competitive platform that attracts international stars while continuing to spotlight Afghanistan’s domestic talent.
“Our domestic talent continues to shine on international platforms, and their presence will naturally draw global attention to the APL. Our relationships with other cricket boards in terms of player release have been strategically nurtured, and we believe that will aid us in securing NOCs for international players. The quality of cricket in Afghanistan is already well respected, and the APL will provide another competitive and compelling platform for both local and international stars.”
UAE Likely Venue, Oman and Qatar on Standby
When asked about the potential venues for the APL:
“Most likely in the UAE, which remains our primary option and is being planned with our partner. However, to avoid further delays in launching the league, we’ve kept Oman and Qatar as backup options. These venues offer excellent facilities and have a strong Afghan diaspora, which helps build a natural fan base.”
Shpageeza League: A National Duty and Talent Factory
The Shpageeza T20 League, Afghanistan’s premier domestic competition, continues to be a cornerstone of the country’s cricketing ecosystem.
“Yes, participation in Shpageeza is considered a national duty. We’re now in its 10th edition, and the structure is stronger than ever. Since its inception, the support from fans, commitment from players, and involvement of the management have made it a central pillar of our domestic cricket.”
The CEO pointed to the tournament’s success in unearthing future stars.
“A recent example is our success at the Emerging Asia Cup, where top performers like Sediqullah Atal, Zubaid Akbari, and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar came straight from Shpageeza. These young players have already made their mark, defeating teams that featured seasoned professionals with global league experience.”
Home Connection: The Afghan Team’s Greatest Strength
Asked whether the strong emotional bond between players and their homeland is what sets Afghanistan apart, Naseeb said:
“Absolutely. Many of our players — including Rashid, Nabi, Naveen, Gurbaz, and Hashmat — are deeply involved in community work. They run their own welfare foundations and cricket academies in Afghanistan. This isn’t just about cricket—it’s about giving back and never forgetting where they came from.”
“That connection to home is our greatest strength. It’s worth mentioning that our national heroes have always stood by the people during times of hardship and natural disasters. Their presence and support go beyond the field.”
Mohammad Nabi’s Future: Coaching Role on the Cards?
With Mohammad Nabi approaching the twilight of his playing career, Naseeb left the door open for a future role in the system.
“That decision ultimately rests with him. But given his current fitness and performance, I personally feel he still has more to contribute as a player. That said, I would absolutely welcome him back in a mentoring or coaching role. We already have examples like Hameed Hassan and Noor Ali Zadran, who are contributing to the senior and U-19 teams as coaches. Nabi’s experience and leadership would be a tremendous asset to our technical structure.”
Coaching and Captaincy Stability = On-Field Results
Naseeb also credited the team’s recent success to consistency in leadership roles.
“Undoubtedly. Stability has been key. Jonathan Trott has now been head coach for over three years, and Hashmatullah Shahidi has led the team for five years, with Rashid Khan also captaining in key formats. This consistency at the top—combined with board support—has brought clarity, focus, and unity to the team.”
“My tenure, along with our Chairman’s, was also extended by the government for another three years, which gives us the opportunity to complete long-term goals we’ve set in motion.”
Hosting International Cricket: “A Real Possibility”
With the nation now more stable than in previous years, Afghanistan’s aspirations of hosting full international matches are gaining momentum.
“Yes, that is a real possibility. Before 2021, we couldn’t even host domestic matches in many provinces due to conflict. But now, Alhamdulillah, there is peace across the country. We recently held the Wakhan T20 Cup in Kunduz, near the Tajikistan border, and a three-day tournament in Helmand, near Iran. These events show how far we’ve come.”
“With continued improvements in security and support from the international cricketing community, I truly believe Afghanistan will host international cricket within the next three to four years.”
Infrastructure and Funding: The Road Ahead
Although Afghanistan’s journey in international cricket began just 15 years ago, the board has made notable strides.
“We already have 8 to 10 standard cricket grounds across provinces including Kabul, Jalalabad, Kandahar, Khost, Zabul, Paktia, Kunar, and Kunduz. That, in itself, is a remarkable achievement.”
“To address our budgetary constraints — mainly because staging home games abroad is costly — we’re engaging with governments in Qatar, UAE, and India to seek funding and fast-track upgrades. Our infrastructure is steadily improving, and with continued effort and international support, we believe it will soon match global standards.”
From its grassroots development to strategic international ambitions, Afghanistan cricket, under Naseeb Khan’s stewardship, is scripting a remarkable chapter in the sport’s global story — one defined by resilience, pride, and vision.
