Afghanistan hopeful of hosting ICC tournament soon, says Gulbadin Naib
Afghanistan could soon join the list of ICC tournament hosts, according to senior all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who believes the country’s growing cricket infrastructure and international exposure have positioned it for a major milestone in the sport’s global calendar.
Domestic success driving confidence
Fresh off the completion of the 2025 Shpageeza Cricket League, Naib expressed optimism about Afghanistan’s readiness to stage world-class events.
“We recently concluded the SCL (Shpageeza Cricket League) 2025 season. We are hopeful of hosting the ICC tournament soon, thanks to the efforts being put in by our cricket board and management,” Naib stated.
The domestic T20 league, seen as a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s cricket development, has helped sharpen local talent while demonstrating the nation’s capability to run well-organized competitions.
Growing international interest in touring Afghanistan
With upgraded venues and increased security measures, Afghanistan is attracting attention from foreign cricket boards.
“A lot of countries are also willing to tour Afghanistan for international games. So, we’re hopeful of an ICC tournament as well in the country,” Naib added.
Hosting visiting teams has been a gradual but important step for the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) as it works to establish the nation as a viable venue for high-profile fixtures.
Global leagues shaping Afghan cricket’s rise
Naib credited overseas franchise leagues—especially the IPL—for their role in accelerating Afghanistan’s cricketing progress.
“Our cricket is progressing well globally, and I feel that the stage we are at is largely due to the significant impact of the IPL on Afghanistan cricket,” he said.
The exposure to top-tier competition in tournaments such as the IPL and ILT20 has helped Afghan players gain invaluable experience, enhancing both their individual skills and the team’s reputation on the international stage.
From World Cup challengers to potential hosts
Afghanistan’s past decade has been marked by rapid improvement, including standout performances in both the ODI and T20 World Cups against cricket powerhouses like Australia, India, and Pakistan. This trajectory, combined with a maturing domestic scene and increased foreign engagement, has strengthened the case for hosting an ICC event.
If successful, Afghanistan’s bid would mark a historic but likely controversial moment as the sport continues to expand into new territories, but in this case would be one where female cricket is banned, which is likely to be raised as an issue in this quest.
