ACB introduces league cap to prioritize national performance
Following its annual general meeting held in Kabul on January 14, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has approved a significant policy shift limiting national players to a maximum of three international T20 leagues per year, in addition to the Afghanistan Premier League (APL).
The decision marks a major change in how Afghanistan manages player commitments, aiming to reduce fatigue and ensure peak readiness for national duties. The ACB said in a statement, “To protect player fitness and mental well-being, the board approved a new policy regarding foreign leagues.”
The restriction is especially relevant given the growing demand for Afghan stars across global franchise circuits. Under the new guidelines, players can represent a maximum of four T20 franchises annually — one being the APL and three others from international competitions.
The board elaborated on the rationale behind the move, stating, “Players will now be permitted to participate in the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), along with only three other international leagues per year. This measure aims to manage workload and ensure peak performance for national duties.”
Impact on top Afghan T20 players
The new cap is likely to affect several of Afghanistan’s high-profile players who currently feature across multiple leagues worldwide. Rashid Khan — the world’s leading T20 wicket-taker — captains MI Cape Town in South Africa’s SA20 and plays for MI Emirates (ILT20), MI New York (MLC), and Gujarat Titans (IPL).
Other stars such as Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and AM Ghazanfar also maintain busy franchise calendars and may now need to re-evaluate their contracts under the new guidelines.
While the ACB’s move mirrors similar restrictions by boards like the Pakistan Cricket Board (which allows only two foreign leagues per year), it signals a broader shift toward centralizing control over player availability and ensuring sustained performance at the international level.
Looking ahead: West Indies series and T20 World Cup 2026
Afghanistan’s immediate focus shifts to a three-match T20I series against the West Indies in the UAE, followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, and Canada, Afghanistan will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai. With a full-strength squad and clear participation rules in place, the ACB is aiming for stability both on and off the field.
