The Afghanistan Premier League is a Twenty20 franchise cricket tournament in Afghanistan. organised by Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and first contested during the 2026 season. It is contested by five teams based in cities around the country.
History The 2026 Afghanistan Premier League marked the revival of the Afghanistan Premier League after an eight-year hiatus. The tournament had previously been held only once in 2018 before being discontinued because of commercial disputes, contractual issues, and concerns surrounding the league's administration. Following several years of uncertainty, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced in December 2025 that the league would return as a five-team franchise Twenty20 competition, with matches scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In August 2026, the five represented cities were announced. On 26 August, the APL announced the first three franchise owners, Akcel United Kabul, Balkh Zwanan and Kandahar Warriors.
The Player Draft will be held on 27 September 2026. The Player Registration Window Extended Until October 5, the player draft will be held on 24 October in United Arab Emirates.
The first edition held on 27 December 2026.
Organisation The five teams play each other twice in the group stages of the competition before the top four teams move to the playoffs stage. Trophy The trophy was unveiled in August 2026.
Teams
Team City Debut Captain Head coach Owner(s)Akcel United KabulKabul 2026Balkh ZwananBalkh2026Kandahar WarriorsKandahar2026PaktiaPaktia2026NangarharNangarhar2026
Seasons and results Season Final No. of teams Player of the series Champions Result Runners-up Venue 2026 5
Team performances scope="col" 2026 Akcel United Kabul Balkh Zwanan Kandahar Warriors Nangarhar Paktia C: Champions RU: Runner-up SF: Team qualified for the semi-final of the competition
See also Afghanistan Premier League
References
External links