The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced the return of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), which will be held on 27 December 2026 in the UAE. This revival is a big deal for Afghan cricket as the league returns after eight years when we had the first time in 2018 (at the start of the first edition).
The tournament will be made up of five familiar franchises — Kabul, Kandahar, Balkh, Paktia, and Nangarhar — and is expected to bring back passionate fan bases and competitive cricket. The APL will provide a pathway for Afghanistan’s rising stars - such as Rashid Khan - and can attract local talent and investment to develop the league on a global level.
ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf said the relaunch was an integral part of a long-term plan for Afghan cricket. “The league will not only display local talent but will also be the gateway to international exposure,” he said, as Afghan players will have exposure to international game officials in the league.
The delay in the revived APL was partly due to political and logistical challenges, but now the board views the UAE as a stable and supportive place to host the tournament. The choice of location guarantees world-class facilities and accessibility to international players, sponsors, and fans.
Now it’s the player draft and franchise bids which we expect will generate excitement amongst cricket fans. The APL return is likely to generate significant commercial interest and will make Afghanistan a player in the franchise cricket world.
For Afghan fans, the league is more than just cricket; it’s a symbol of resilience and progress. The 2018 edition had captured imaginations with some of the best games and performances of the year so far, and the revival of 2026 will revive that spirit and take a new chapter in Afghan cricket’s history.
Finally, the Afghanistan Premier League returning to UAE on December 27 is a meaningful step in the right direction. With five teams, international stars, and strong local representation, the APL will only add to Afghan cricket’s global reach as well as the next generation of players.
