Afghanistan’s premier domestic T20 competition, the Shpageeza Cricket League, is back for its 10th edition, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announcing on its official Facebook and Instagram pages that the tournament will run from July 19 to August 1, 2025, entirely in Kabul.
The Kabul Cricket Stadium will host all matches, as the capital prepares to welcome fans and top-tier talent in a tournament that has become a central fixture of Afghan sport. Shpageeza remains one of the few consistent and high-profile sporting events held regularly in the country.
Five regional franchises to compete for national T20 supremacy
This year’s competition features five regional teams:
- SpeenGhar Tigers
- Mis-e Ainak Knights
- Bost Defenders
- Band-e Amir Dragons
- Amo Sharks
The ACB’s national selection committee finalized the squads on July 9, blending Afghan international stars with up-and-coming domestic players. These teams represent a broad geographic spread and local fan bases, adding to the league’s competitive energy and national reach.
Star captains and powerhouse lineups
Some of Afghanistan’s most celebrated cricketers will lead their respective franchises:
- Rashid Khan captains the SpeenGhar Tigers, joined by Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, and Ikram Alikhil.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz leads the Mis-e Ainak Knights, alongside Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Afsar Zazai.
- Ibrahim Zadran heads the Bost Defenders, supported by Noor Ahmad, Karim Janat, and Tariq Stanikzai.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan’s Test captain, will guide the Band-e Amir Dragons, with Mohammad Shahzad, Nijat Masood, and Gulbadin Naib.
- Azmatullah Omarzai takes charge of the Amo Sharks, joined by Fazal Haq Farooqi, Qais Ahmad, and Sharafuddin Ashraf.
Each squad brings a unique blend of veteran presence and youthful promise, making this edition one of the most anticipated in the tournament’s history.
A decade of impact: Shpageeza’s legacy
First launched in 2013, the Shpageeza Cricket League has become a pillar of Afghanistan’s cricket development and a celebration of the sport’s growing popularity across the nation. It plays a vital role in identifying future national stars while keeping the domestic game alive and visible.
The ACB’s decision to once again stage the entire tournament in Kabul reinforces its commitment to continuity, despite ongoing challenges in the region.
With a condensed two-week schedule, high-caliber squads, and strong fan engagement expected across platforms, the 2025 Shpageeza League is set to be a dynamic and unifying showcase for Afghan cricket.
