Afghanistan Cricket Board 2026 AGM in Kabul takes major decisions about NOCs for T20 tournaments, infrastructure

ACB reviews 2025 progress, limits player league participation, mandates coaching presence in Afghanistan, and greenlights major projects including new stadiums in Kabul and Nangarhar

Afghanistan Cricket Board officials seated during the Annual General Meeting, with trophies displayed on shelves in the background.

Photo Credit: Afghanistan Cricket Board

ACB holds Annual General Meeting 2026 in Kabul

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its headquarters in Kabul, chaired by ACB Chairman Mr. Mirwais Ashraf, with a focus on reviewing performance in 2025 and approving key strategic initiatives for 2026.

Leadership and attendance

The AGM was attended in person by Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, ACB CEO Mr. Naseeb Khan, Dr. Ahmed Khalid Hatim (Board Member and Kardan University Chancellor), and Mr. Khan Jan Alokozay (Board Member and ACCI Head). Other board members including Mr. Allah Dad Noori, Mr. Obaidullah Saderkhel, Mr. Attila Kamgar, and Mr. Raees Ahmadzai participated virtually.

Performance review: National team’s winning ratio up 5%

The ACB’s Chief Executive Office presented a year-over-year comparison of international performance. The national team’s winning percentage increased from 53% in 2024 to 58% in 2025.

In total, 59 international matches were played across the Senior National Team, AfghanAbdalyan (A-Team), and the U19 National Team during the year.

New league participation policy and coaching mandate

The Board approved a revised League Participation Policy aimed at safeguarding player fitness and mental well-being. Afghan players will now be permitted to participate in:

  • The Afghanistan Premier League (APL), and
  • Only three other foreign leagues per year

This rule is designed to manage player workload and prioritize national team performance.

Additionally, a new policy mandates that all international coaching staff must travel to Afghanistan when required. This clause has been added to coaching contracts to ensure domestic players benefit from direct access to international coaching expertise.

Administrative policy updates

Amendments to eight internal administrative policies were approved to streamline operations and will be implemented during the 2026 calendar year.

Infrastructure development and $8M budget for 2026

In 2025, the ACB implemented 19 infrastructure projects, including the development of 9 new cricket academies and construction work on cricket grounds in Logar and Laghman provinces.

For 2026, the Board has approved a dedicated $8 million infrastructure budget, with major allocations directed toward:

  • Construction of Alokhail Cricket Stadium in Kabul
  • Construction of Najibullah Tarakai Cricket Stadium in Nangarhar

Domestic cricket success and financial update

The ACB reported successful execution of the domestic calendar, with four major tournaments broadcast live and all matches played with Kookaburra international-standard balls. The provincial development program was also praised for enhancing grassroots competitiveness.

On the financial front, the ACB highlighted improved cost-efficiency, increased sponsorship revenue, and growth across digital and social platforms.

APL resumption and forward outlook

Board members commended the ACB leadership for successfully relaunching the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) and initiating critical infrastructure projects.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from leadership to implement all approved recommendations and maintain the Board’s upward growth trajectory in 2026 and beyond.

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