The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced the three inaugural franchises for the APL T20 and revealed the competition's trophy ahead of the league's first season launching in December 2026.
The Afghanistan Premier League T20 has taken a major step toward its inaugural season by unveiling three franchises and the tournament trophy at a ceremony held in Dubai. The three teams announced are Axcel United Kabul, Balkh Zwanan and Kandahar Warriors. The league's trophy, named the 'Koh-E-Zafar', incorporates design elements inspired by Afghanistan's mountain landscape, intended to symbolise strength, resilience and excellence in cricket.
The player registration portal for the draft will open on August 30, with the draft event scheduled for September 27. The first season is set to commence on December 27, 2026, though the league has not yet disclosed the complete tournament schedule or venue locations. Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Mirwais Ashraf characterised the announcement as a watershed moment for Afghan cricket, emphasising the league's role in nurturing emerging talent and providing professional opportunities.
Each franchise has outlined distinct strategic priorities. Balkh Zwanan, whose name translates to youth, intends to scout and develop players from northern Afghanistan, while Kandahar Warriors has positioned itself around an attacking cricket philosophy and leveraging strong local support. These regional approaches reflect the franchises' commitment to strengthening cricket infrastructure across different parts of the country and creating pathways for aspiring cricketers.
