Afghanistan Premier League T20 Returns as Three Franchises Sold, ‘Koh-E-Zafar’ Trophy Unveiled

The Afghanistan Premier League T20 (APLT20) has taken a major step towards its return, with three franchise teams officially sold and the league's new championship trophy unveiled at a ceremony in Dubai.

The three confirmed franchises are Axcel United Kabul, Balkh Zwanan and Kandahar Warriors, with agreements signed in the presence of Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officials, APLT20 governing committee members, franchise owners and other stakeholders. The selection process for the remaining two franchises is still underway.

The league also unveiled its prestigious trophy, Koh-E-Zafar, whose design draws inspiration from Afghanistan's iconic mountain ranges. The trophy is intended to represent strength, resilience and the pinnacle of achievement in Afghan cricket.

ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf described the development as a landmark moment for Afghan cricket, while chief executive Naseeb Khan stressed the league's potential to create both technical and economic opportunities and strengthen Afghanistan's cricket ecosystem.

"Today is a landmark occasion for Afghan cricket. The unveiling of our inaugural franchises and the Koh-E-Zafar trophy reflects our shared vision of building a league that inspires future generations," Ashraf said.

The APLT20 is now moving towards its player recruitment phase. The registration portal for the player draft is scheduled to open on August 30, with the draft set for September 27, 2026. The tournament itself is scheduled to begin on December 27, although the complete fixture list and venues are yet to be announced.

The franchises are also expected to play a key role in developing local talent. Balkh Zwanan has highlighted its focus on identifying young cricketers from northern Afghanistan, while Kandahar Warriors are aiming to build an aggressive identity and strong regional following. Axcel United Kabul will represent the capital.

The APLT20 previously held its inaugural edition in the UAE in 2018, with Balkh Legends becoming the first champions. The league's revival marks a significant attempt to create another professional pathway for Afghanistan's rapidly developing pool of T20 talent.