The Afghanistan Premier League T20 (APLT20) Governing Committee today completed the sale of three franchise teams in the presence of Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and APL officials. The agreements were officially signed with the respective owners during a ceremony where the prestigious APLT20 trophy, named “Koh-E-Zafar” was also unveiled.
The process for selecting owners for the remaining two franchises is currently underway.
The ceremony was attended by members of the APLT20 Governing Committee, franchise owners, and other key stakeholders involved in the development of the league.
During the event, the three teams franchises were officially announced as Akcel United Kabul Shekib Rahimi Balkh Zwanan and Bullfrog Kandahar Warriors.
The three organizations are active in various investment sectors and bring valuable experience and expertise from their respective fields.
Speaking at the ceremony, ACB Chairman Mr. Mirwais Ashraf said:
“Today is a proud and historic moment as three APLT20 franchises have been sold and their agreements have officially been signed. Without doubt, this is a significant achievement for the entire Afghan nation and the Afghan cricket family. The league is gradually taking practical shape, and, insha’Allah, we will soon witness the second edition of this tournament, featuring participation from Afghan and international players.”
ACB Chief Executive Officer Mr. Naseeb Khan also highlighted the importance of the development, stating:
“Alongside other major achievements of Afghanistan cricket, today marks another important step toward the realization of the second edition of the APLT20. This league holds great importance for Afghan players and carries significant technical and economic value for Afghanistan cricket.
Three franchises have now been sold, while the process for the remaining two teams will be completed soon. A number of companies and investors have expressed interest, and we are working to identify the most suitable partners for the remaining franchises, similar to the successful agreements finalized today.”
Mr. Naseeb Khan further added
“A few days ago, we achieved another milestone by gaining the opportunity to take a leadership role within the Asian Cricket Council. This is a significant achievement that will enable Afghanistan to contribute further at the continental level. It will provide an opportunity for Afghan talent, passion, and expertise to be represented within the ACC and allow Afghan professionals to play a greater role in the development of cricket across Asia.”
According to Mr. Naseeb Khan, the revival of the APLT20 has been a long-standing aspiration of Afghan players and cricket stakeholders.
He emphasized that the return of the league will provide valuable opportunities from both technical and economic perspectives, while also supporting the development of Afghanistan’s cricket ecosystem and technical resources.
Furthermore, the representatives of the three companies expressed their happiness regarding the agreements and said:
Kabul Ownership: “Representing Kabul carries an expectation we welcome. This is a city that has produced some
of the finest cricketers Afghanistan has given the world, and our job is to build a franchise those players and this city
ecognize as their own — professionally run, competitive from day one, and permanent.”
Balkh Zwanan Ownership: “Our commitment to this league goes far beyond competition; it is about uplifting our community. Zwanan means youth, and that is not decoration on a badge — it is our mandate. 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.”
Kandahar Warriors Ownership: “We look forward to bringing fierce passion to the pitch and making our fans proud.
Kandahar supporters always come to the matches with great enthusiasm and energy. They come loud, and they expect a team that plays the same way — aggressive, fearless cricket that reflects the character of the south. We are building a squad that gives them something to shout about, and a home ground that visiting sides do not enjoy travelling to.”
It is noteworthy that the portal for the inaugural APLT20 Draft and players’ registration will officially open to players on August 30, 2026 at www.apl-t20.com while the player draft will be held on 27th September, 2026.
The franchise selection process for the remaining two teams, Nangarhar and Balkh, is ongoing and is expected to be finalized soon. Following the completion of all required procedures and fulfillment of the necessary conditions, the Afghanistan Cricket Board will announce the APLT20 schedule and venues information in the coming weeks.
It is worth mentioning that the inaugural edition of the APLT20 was held in the United Arab Emirates from October 5 to 21, 2018, with Balkh Legends crowned as the first-ever champions of the league.
