Afghanistan Premier League

Afghanistan Premier League
Tournament logo
CountriesAfghanistan
AdministratorAfghanistan Cricket Board
FormatTwenty20
First edition2018
Latest edition2018
Next edition2026
Tournament formatDouble round-robin and Knockout
Number of teams5
Current championBalkh Legends (1st title)
Most successfulBalkh Legends (1 title)
Most runsMohammad Shahzad (344)
Most wicketsIsuru Udana (17)
Websiteaplt20.tv

The Afghanistan Premier League (Pashto: د افغانستان غوره لیګ; Persian: لیگ برتر افغانستان), officially Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League for sponsorship reasons, was a Twenty20 cricket franchise tournament run by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Founded in 2018, five teams were selected to compete, named after regions of Afghanistan.[1][2][3][4] The only tournament took place between 5 and 21 October 2018 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium,[5][2] with up to forty overseas players involved.[6][7] In August 2018, the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved plans for the tournament.[8]

In September 2018, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that they would not give No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the active Pakistani players.[9] In October 2018, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) denied to give NOCs to Mohammad Mithun and Soumya Sarkar.[10]

Balkh Legends won the maiden title, after beating Kabul Zwanan by four wickets in the final.[11][12]

Background and history

Background

The creation of the Afghanistan Premier League followed Afghanistan's rapid rise in international cricket and its attainment of Full Member status in the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017.[13][14] Following the success of Afghan players in global tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) sought to establish a high-profile domestic T20 league.[15] The primary objectives were to provide local players with exposure to international standards, improve the board's financial independence, and bring high-level cricket to Afghan fans, although matches were ultimately held in the United Arab Emirates due to security considerations.[16]

History

The Afghanistan Premier League (APL) was established by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in 2018 to provide a professional platform for domestic talent following the country's attainment of Full Member status.[13]

Initial season and success (2018)

The inaugural season of the APL was launched in October 2018 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The tournament featured five franchises representing different regions of Afghanistan: Balkh Legends, Kabul Zwanan, Kandahar Knights, Nangarhar Leopards, and Paktia Panthers.[17] The league attracted significant international attention, with veteran stars such as Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi, Brendon McCullum, and Andre Russell participating.[18] The tournament concluded with the Balkh Legends, captained by Mohammad Nabi, defeating Kabul Zwanan to become the first-ever champions.[19][20]

Postponement and contractual issues

Despite the sporting success of the first season, the league faced immediate administrative challenges. In September 2019, the ACB officially terminated its agreement with the commercial partner, Snooker City, citing non-payment of rights fees and lack of transparency.[21] The league was subsequently suspended due to governance concerns and delayed player payments.[22] Over the following years, the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and political transitions within Afghanistan further delayed any attempts at a restart.

Termination and lawsuit

Following the inaugural 2018 season, the league faced a major legal crisis. In September 2019, the ACB terminated its 10-year commercial agreement with Snixer Sports, citing material breaches and integrity risks.[21] This led to a US$15 million lawsuit filed by Snixer Sports in a London arbitration court, which brought international attention to the league's governance.[23]

Revival (2025–2026)

In June 2024, the ACB confirmed that they were in the final stages of planning a relaunch for the tournament. The board cited the need for a premier T20 platform to sustain the development of the national team.[24] In December 2024, it was announced that the tournament is officially scheduled to return in October 2026, with the UAE likely to host the matches once again.[25][26]

Relaunch (2026)

In December 2024, the ACB officially announced the return of the league. The second edition is scheduled for October 2026, with the board citing the league as essential for the continued development of the Afghanistan national cricket team.[25]

Teams

Afghanistan Premier League is located in Afghanistan
Balkh Legends
Balkh Legends
Kabul Zwanan
Kabul Zwanan
Kandahar Knights
Kandahar Knights
Paktia Super Kings
Paktia Super Kings
Nangarhar Leopards
Nangarhar Leopards
Location of Afghanistan Premier League teams
Team City Debut Region Head Coach Captain
Balkh Legends Mazar-i-Sharif 2018 North Simon Helmot Mohammad Nabi
Kabul Zwanan Kabul 2018 Central Heath Streak Rashid Khan
Kandahar Knights Kandahar 2018 Southwest Kabir Ali Asghar Afghan
Nangarhar Leopards Jalalabad 2018 East Venkatesh Prasad Ben Cutting
Paktia Panthers Khost, Loya Paktia 2018 Southeast Dawlat Ahmadzai Shahid Afridi

Finals

Season Final Player of the season
Winner Result Runner-up Venue
2018 Balkh Legends
138/6 (18.1 overs) 		Balkh Legends won by 4 wickets
Scorecard 		Kabul Zwanan
132/9 (20 overs) 		Sharjah Cricket Stadium Rashid Khan (Kabul Zwanan)

Performance by team

Seasons

Season
(No. of teams) 		2018
(5)
Balkh Legends C
Paktia Panthers SF
Kabul Zwanan RU
Nangarhar Leopards SF
Kandahar Knights 5th
  • Teams have been listed alphabetically.
  •   C: Champions
  •   RU: Runner-up
  •   SF: Team qualified for the semifinals stage of the competition

All time standings

Teams Appearances Best result Statistics
Total First Latest Played Won Lost NR Win (%)
Balkh Legends 1 2018 2018 Champions (2018) 8 6 2 0 75.0
Kabul Zwanan 1 2018 2018 Runners-up (2018) 8 4 4 0 50.0
Kandahar Knights 1 2018 2018 Semifinal 1 (2018) 8 2 6 0 25.0
Nangarhar Leopards 1 2018 2018 Semifinal 2 (2018) 8 3 5 0 37.5
Paktia Panthers 1 2018 2018 League Stage (2018) 8 5 3 0 62.5

Records and statistics

A summary of the most notable statistical records associated with the tournament is provided below.[27]

As of 25 December 2025
Batting records
Most runs Mohammad Shahzad (PP) 344
Highest score Hazratullah Zazai (KZ) 124 vs Nangarhar Leopards
(9 October 2018)
Highest partnership Luke Ronchi & Hazratullah Zazai (KZ) 144 vs Nangarhar Leopards
(9 October 2018)
Most centuries Hazratullah Zazai (KZ) 1
Most runs in Season Mohammad Shahzad (PP) 344 (2018)
Bowling records
Most wickets Isuru Udana (PP) 17
Most wickets in a season Isuru Udana (PP) 17 (2018)
Fielding records
Most dismissals (wicket-keeper) Ikram Alikhil (BL) 8
Most catches (fielder) Naveen-ul-Haq (NL) 9
Team records
Highest total Balkh Legends 244/6 vs Kabul Zwanan
(14 October 2018)
Lowest total Nangarhar Leopards 64/10 vs Balkh Legends
(19 October 2018)

Media and broadcasting

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) awarded the global media rights for the inaugural season to a consortium led by ITW and Trans Group. For the 2018 season, the league was broadcast in over 10 countries through various television and digital platforms.[28]

List of broadcasters (2018 Season)

The inaugural edition was broadcast live on the following channels and platforms:[29][30]

Country/Region Television Internet
Afghanistan TOLO TV
Lemar TV 		YouTube (Official Channel)
India DSport JioTV
Pakistan Geo Super
PTV Sports 		Geo Super App
United Kingdom FreeSports Premier Player
United States
Canada 		Willow TV Willow TV Online
Middle East
North Africa 		OSN Sports Wavo
South Africa SuperSport SuperSport Play
Rest of the World None YouTube

See also

References

  1. ^ "Sharjah to host Afghanistan T20 League from October 5". Gulf News. 8 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Afghanistan Premier League slated for October 2018". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  3. ^ "Afghanistan Cricket Premier League To Be Played In UAE". Tolo News. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  4. ^ "Gulbahar group confirmed as APL title sponsor". Afghanistan Cricket Board. Archived from the original on 4 October 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  5. ^ "DSport to live broadcast APL 2018 in India". Afghanistan Cricket Board. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  6. ^ "BCCI unlikely to allow Indian players from participating in newly-launched Afghanistan Premier League". First Post. 27 April 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  7. ^ "Afghans ready with their version of T20 league". Times of India. 27 April 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  8. ^ "ICC approves plans for Afghanistan Premier League". International Cricket Council. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
  9. ^ "Pak cricketers ask PCB to issue NOC to play in APL". The Nation. 25 September 2018. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  10. ^ "Soumya, Mithun denied NOC for APL T20". Dhaka Tribune. 6 October 2018. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  11. ^ "BALKH LEGENDS CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF APL T20 2018". Afghanistan Cricket Board. Archived from the original on 3 July 2019. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
  12. ^ "Qais Ahmed, Chris Gayle star as Balkh Legends win inaugural APL". International Cricket Council. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
  13. ^ a b "Afghanistan's 17-year journey to Test cricket". International Cricket Council. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  14. ^ "Afghanistan Promoted To Elite Status Of International Cricket". Radio Free Europe. 22 June 2017. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  15. ^ "Afghanistan Premier League slated for October 2018". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  16. ^ "Sharjah to host Afghanistan T20 League from October 5". Gulf News. 8 August 2018. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  17. ^ "Afghanistan Premier League (APL) 2018 – Fixtures, Squads and Match Info". Cricket World. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  18. ^ "Gayle, Afridi, Russell: icons in Afghanistan Premier League". ESPNcricinfo. 11 September 2018. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  19. ^ "Balkh Legends are the winners of Afghan Premier League 2018". Khaama Press. 22 October 2018. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  20. ^ "Afghanistan Premier League 2018/19". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  21. ^ a b "ACB terminates APL commercial deal; postpones 2019 edition". ESPNcricinfo. 12 September 2019. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  22. ^ "Afghanistan Premier League set for fresh start in 2026". The Tribune. 21 December 2025. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  23. ^ Khan, Muhammad Asif (8 March 2020). "Lawsuit filed against Afghanistan Cricket Board over contract breach". Dawn. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
  24. ^ "ACB confident of relaunching APL in 2025". cricbuzz. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  25. ^ a b "Afghanistan Cricket Board announces return of APL T20". Cricket Pakistan. 15 December 2024. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  26. ^ "Afghanistan's premier league set to relaunch with five teams in 2026". Daryo. 23 December 2025. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  27. ^ "Afghanistan Premier League, 2018/19 Records". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  28. ^ "Afghanistan Premier League: ITW bags commercial, broadcast rights for 5 years". InsideSport. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  29. ^ "Where to watch Afghanistan Premier League 2018". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  30. ^ "APL 2018: Full list of broadcasters". CricketWorld. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
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