The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has set its sights on reviving the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), the country’s franchise-based T20 tournament. After a solitary season in 2018, the APL was placed on hold. However, the ACB is determined to reignite the league in 2025.
Relaunch efforts underway
ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan expressed his confidence in relaunching the APL.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in 2024 due to a packed domestic and international schedule, including commitments against Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and upcoming youth tournaments. Khan revealed plans to resume the APL “at some time after the next IPL” in 2025 as per Cricbuzz.
Positive developments and shortlisted bidders
Encouragingly, the initial bidding process for the APL received significant interest from various companies. The ACB has shortlisted promising candidates and will present them to the board for approval before proceeding with the next stage.
Focus on 2025 despite uncertain Bangladesh series
While the Bangladesh series scheduled for July is shrouded in uncertainty, the ACB remains optimistic. The proposed rescheduling of the series, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is in Greater Noida between July 25th and August 6th, may not materialize.
The ACB, however, maintains that this July window is their only available slot within the Future Tours Programme.
Greater Noida welcomed as home ground
The recent allocation of Greater Noida in India as one of Afghanistan’s home venues by the BCCI is a welcome development for the ACB. Having primarily played “home” matches in the UAE in recent times, Afghanistan is now prepared to host international teams in India.
Naseeb Khan highlighted the renewed agreement with the BCCI, extending their partnership until the Champions Trophy. While the exact locations for upcoming series against New Zealand and West Indies remain undecided, Greater Noida is a strong contender.
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Brighter future for Afghanistan Cricket
The ACB’s commitment to relaunching the APL and securing Greater Noida as a home ground signifies a positive trajectory for Afghan cricket. These developments, coupled with their impressive performance in the recent World Cup, position Afghanistan for a promising future on the cricketing world stage.
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