The Afghanistan Premier League T20 has taken a major step towards its inaugural season by unveiling its first three franchises and the tournament trophy. The league is scheduled to begin on December 27, 2026, marking a significant new chapter for Afghanistan’s domestic and international cricket ambitions.
The three franchises announced are Axcel United Kabul, Balkh Zwanan and Kandahar Warriors. Their identities were revealed during a ceremony in Dubai attended by franchise owners, league partners and officials from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).
Alongside the teams, the league introduced its official trophy, named the ‘Koh-E-Zafar’. The trophy’s design takes inspiration from Afghanistan’s imposing mountain ranges and is intended to symbolise strength, resilience and the ultimate achievement in cricket.
The tournament is now moving towards its player recruitment phase. Registration for the inaugural player draft is scheduled to open on August 30, while the draft itself will take place on September 27. The organisers are yet to announce the complete fixture list and venues for the competition.
The APL T20 is expected to provide an important platform for Afghanistan’s emerging cricketers. With the country continuing to produce talented players for international and franchise cricket, the new league could offer young prospects greater exposure while helping them develop alongside experienced professionals.
ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf described the unveiling as an important moment for Afghan cricket. He said the launch reflects a shared ambition to build a competition capable of inspiring future generations and strengthening the country’s cricketing structure.
The three franchises have also expressed ambitions beyond simply competing for the title. Their plans include identifying and developing local talent while establishing strong links with the regions they represent.
With the franchises now confirmed and the player draft approaching, attention will shift towards squad building and the final tournament preparations. The inaugural APL T20 season will be closely watched as Afghanistan seeks to establish another major platform for its rapidly growing cricket ecosystem.