Three teams have been confirmed for the Afghanistan Premier League’s first Twenty20 season, which is scheduled to begin on December 27, 2026. The three teams are Kandahar Warriors, Balkh Zwanan, and Axcel United Kabul.
To commemorate the event, franchise owners, league partners, and representatives from the Afghanistan Cricket Board gathered in Dubai on August 26, 2026. The Koh-E-Zafar, the league trophy, was also formally unveiled during the occasion.
The craggy mountain scenery of Afghanistan serves as the inspiration for the Koh-E-Zafar trophy’s design.
The league claims that the design is intended to represent strength, resiliency, and the pinnacle of athletic excellence.
Speaking to the crowd during the Dubai ceremony, ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf discussed the significance of the event for Afghan cricket. For Afghan cricket, today is a historic day. “Our shared vision of creating a league that inspires future generations is reflected in the unveiling of our inaugural franchises and the Koh-E-Zafar trophy,” Ashraf was cited by Cricbuzz as saying.
Which identities are present in each of the three franchises?
A unique regional character has served as the foundation for each franchise. Balkh Zwanan’s name comes from a word that means youth, and the franchise has made it plain that it wants to find and nurture talent from northern Afghanistan. A key component of the team’s declared philosophy is the emphasis on younger players.
The Kandahar Warriors have positioned themselves around an aggressive on-field persona and expect a passionate and robust fan base from their home region. The capital is represented by Axcel United Kabul, who give the league’s opening lineup a third unique voice.
According to additional media sources, five teams from Kabul, Kandahar, Balkh, Paktia, and Nangarhar are scheduled for the first APL season. ACB has not verified the status of the final two franchises that were not disclosed on August 26, 2026.
When does the draft and player registration process begin?
After the franchise announcements, the league released a detailed plan for squad assembly. Four days after the Dubai ceremony, on August 30, 2026, the player registration portal will open, providing players and their representatives with an opportunity to formally register prior to the draft.
The date of the player draft is set for September 27, 2026. The three confirmed teams will have their rosters ready for the season start on December 27, 2026, after the draft is over. The United Arab Emirates will host the APL.
