The Afghanistan Cricket Board has taken a significant step toward reshaping the future of Afghan cricket by introducing a structured policy that limits player participation in overseas franchise leagues. The decision reflects a growing concern around player workload, mental well-being, and the long-term sustainability of the national team as Afghanistan continues to establish itself as a competitive force in world cricket.
With Afghan players becoming highly sought-after in T20 leagues across the globe, balancing commercial opportunities and national responsibilities has become increasingly challenging. The new regulation aims to strike that balance by ensuring players remain physically fresh, mentally focused, and consistently available for international assignments.
This policy decision was finalized during a key administrative meeting in Kabul and is expected to have wide-ranging implications not only for players but also for franchise leagues, coaching structures, and Afghanistan’s domestic cricket ecosystem.
Key Decision Taken at ACB Annual General Meeting
This was one of the key policy decisions taken during the Annual General Meeting held at the Afghanistan Cricket Board headquarters in Kabul. The meeting was chaired by ACB Chairman Mr Mirwais Ashraf and focused on long-term planning, governance reforms, and player management strategies designed to protect Afghanistan cricket’s rapid growth.
The AGM provided a platform for board members to assess challenges arising from packed international calendars and the increasing number of global T20 leagues. Officials agreed that without clear regulation, player fatigue and injury risks could undermine the national team’s progress.
Three Overseas League Limit Explained
Under the newly approved policy, Afghanistan players will be allowed to participate in a maximum of three overseas T20 leagues per calendar year. In addition to these three foreign leagues, players will also be required to take part in the Afghanistan Premier League, making it a total of four leagues annually.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated that this framework was introduced to manage workload more effectively and ensure players are not overburdened by continuous travel, competitive pressure, and minimal recovery periods between tournaments.
ACB Statement on Player Welfare
In an official statement released after the AGM, the ACB emphasized that player fitness and mental health were at the core of the new regulation. The board highlighted the importance of safeguarding athletes from burnout while maintaining high performance levels for international fixtures.
The statement clarified that the policy aims to ensure peak performance during national duties, particularly with major tournaments and bilateral series scheduled throughout the year.
Impact on Star Afghan Cricketers
Several high-profile Afghan players will be directly affected by the new league participation cap. Prominent names such as Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and AM Ghazanfar are among those who regularly feature in multiple franchise competitions worldwide.
With the new policy in place, these players will need to make strategic decisions regarding which leagues to prioritize, ensuring alignment with national commitments and personal workload management.
Mandatory Participation in Afghanistan Premier League
The Afghanistan Premier League remains a central pillar of the ACB’s vision for domestic cricket development. By making APL participation mandatory alongside the three overseas leagues, the board aims to strengthen the league’s competitive quality and commercial value.
This move is also expected to inspire young domestic players, offering them the opportunity to compete alongside established international stars and gain exposure to high-intensity cricket at home.
Role of Foreign Coaches in Domestic Development
Another notable aspect of the new policy is the requirement for foreign coaches to travel to Afghanistan when necessary. This initiative is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance the technical skills of local players through direct interaction with experienced international coaching professionals.
The ACB believes that this approach will support the growth of domestic talent, improve coaching standards, and create a more sustainable development pathway within the country.
Balancing Franchise Cricket and National Duty
Franchise cricket has played a crucial role in elevating Afghan players onto the global stage, providing financial stability and exposure to elite competition. However, the ACB recognizes that unchecked participation can dilute focus from national responsibilities.
The new regulation aims to create a structured balance, allowing players to benefit from global leagues while remaining consistently available and prepared for Afghanistan’s international commitments.
Upcoming International Assignments
Afghanistan’s immediate focus remains on international cricket, with a three-match T20I series against the West Indies scheduled to be played in the UAE. The series will serve as a crucial preparatory phase ahead of a major global tournament.
Following the West Indies series, the Rashid Khan-led side will travel to India to participate in the T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on February 7. The new policy is expected to ensure players arrive at the tournament in optimal physical and mental condition.
Long-Term Vision for Afghanistan Cricket
The three-league annual cap reflects a broader strategic vision aimed at ensuring Afghanistan’s long-term competitiveness in international cricket. By prioritizing player welfare and structured scheduling, the ACB hopes to build a resilient national side capable of sustaining success across formats.
As Afghan cricket continues to gain global recognition, governance decisions such as this are seen as essential steps toward maintaining performance standards, nurturing domestic talent, and protecting the careers of the country’s most valuable cricketing assets.
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