ACB invites for Franchise Acquisition Process ahead of Afghanistan Premier League 2026

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the official launch of the franchise acquisition process for the much-anticipated return of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL T20), marking a significant milestone in the continued rise of Afghan cricket on the global stage.

The ACB will officially issue the Request for Proposal (RFP) for franchise ownership on May 15, 2026, inviting global investors, sports entrepreneurs, and commercial partners to become part of one of the most exciting emerging properties in world cricket. The deadline for proposal submissions has been set for June 30, 2026.

The second edition of the APL T20 is scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates during the final quarter of 2026, providing a world-class environment and international-standard infrastructure for a tournament expected to deliver elite competition, international talent, and premium production quality.

The league will feature five franchise teams, with prospective franchise partners having the opportunity to bid for representation from five iconic Afghan cricketing regions and centres, which are Kabul, Kandahar, Balkh, Paktia, and Nangarhar.

The return of the APL comes at a time when Afghan cricketers are widely regarded among the most impactful performers across major T20 leagues worldwide. The tournament will serve as Afghanistan’s premier domestic T20 platform, showcasing the country’s leading cricketing stars while also bringing together internationally renowned players and professionals in a globally marketable competition.

The ACB, in collaboration with its strategic partners, has developed a commercial framework centred on long-term sustainability, operational efficiency, and strong commercial potential for franchise investors. The model is designed to establish a lean, competitive, and high-value sporting property aligned with the evolving global T20 landscape.

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf said, “It is extremely encouraging to witness the steady progress toward the return of the Afghanistan Premier League, a landmark initiative for the Afghanistan Cricket Board and a significant step in the continued growth of Afghan cricket globally. In this regard, the Afghanistan Cricket Board will officially commence the franchise acquisition process for the league’s five franchises on the 15th of this month. We are confident that the APL will open a new chapter of professionalism, commercial growth, and international recognition for Afghan cricket.”

He further added, “Afghanistan today possesses some of the finest and most exciting talents in world cricket, and the Afghanistan Premier League will serve as a major platform to further strengthen the global presence of Afghan cricket. Our National Team has achieved historic successes against some of the world’s leading cricket nations, while our Emerging, Under-19, and Afghanistan A teams have also delivered outstanding performances internationally.”

The APL will provide Afghan players with a professional platform to showcase their talent, gain international exposure, and engage with leading overseas players and experts. At the same time, the league will play an important role in promoting Afghanistan’s culture and positive image globally, while contributing to the long-term commercial growth of Afghan cricket.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has invited the interested parties to become part of a partnership opportunity that extends beyond cricket, contributing to the growth of one of the world’s fastest-rising cricketing nations and a league with significant global potential.