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Afghanistan Cricket Board Limits Players to 3 International Leagues Annually

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has introduced a policy limiting its players to participation in only three international franchise leagues per year, in addition to their domestic APL. The decision, made at the ACB's Annual General Meeting, aims to protect player fitness and ensure peak performance for national duties. This move could significantly impact the finances of star players like Rashid Khan, who are in high demand across global T20 leagues. The policy comes into effect as Afghanistan prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Key Points: ACB Limits Players to 3 International Leagues Per Year

  • New ACB policy limits players
  • Aims to manage workload and fitness
  • Could impact player earnings
  • Focus on national team performance
  • Afghanistan Premier League is exempt
2 min read

Afghanistan Cricket Board limits their players to three international leagues per year

ACB's new policy restricts players like Rashid Khan to three foreign leagues annually to manage workload and prioritize national team performance.

"To protect player fitness and mental well-being, the board approved a new policy regarding foreign leagues. - ACB statement via ESPNcricinfo"

Kabul, January 15

The Afghanistan Cricket Board held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday at the ACB headquarters in Kabul. ACB has introduced a new policy limiting its players to participation in only three international leagues per year, in addition to their involvement in the board's five-team franchise-based T20 league, scheduled to kick off in October 2026 in the UAE.

This decision aims to manage player workload and ensure peak performance for national duties.

"To protect player fitness and mental well-being, the board approved a new policy regarding foreign leagues. Players will now be permitted to participate in the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), plus only three other international leagues per year. This measure aims to manage workload and ensure peak performance for national duties," the ACB statement said as per ESPNcricinfo.

The meeting was attended by ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, ACB CEO Naseeb Khan, Board Member and Kardan University Chancellor Ahmed Khalid Hatim, and Board Member and ACCI Head Khan Jan Alokozay. Board members Allah Dad Noori, Obaidullah Saderkhel, Attila Kamgar, and Raees Ahmadzai participated virtually via video link.

The move could affect the financials of players such as Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who are in demand in franchise leagues worldwide.

Rashid, the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket, is currently the captain of MI Cape Town in the SA20. He's a key player for MI's other franchises, including MI Emirates (ILT20), MI New York (MLC), and the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Afghanistan's upcoming assignment is a three-match T20I series against West Indies in the UAE before they travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I understand the intent, but three leagues plus their own APL is still a lot of cricket. The real issue is the non-stop calendar. Hope they get proper rest periods too.
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Vikram M
This will directly hit their earnings. For players from nations with less board revenue, leagues are a major income source. The BCCI can afford to pay our players well to prioritize India, but can the ACB?
A
Ananya R
As a cricket fan, I just want to see Rashid Khan at his magical best. If he's playing 10 different leagues a year, the magic fades. Good decision for the long-term health of Afghan cricket.
M
Michael C
Interesting policy. The IPL, SA20, and maybe the Hundred or BBL would be the obvious choices for their top players. Forces them to be selective. The APL in UAE in 2026 sounds promising!
K
Karthik V
They must ensure this doesn't create a rift between the board and players. Financial security is key. Maybe the ACB can top up the contracts of those who comply? National duty is paramount, but so is a player's livelihood.

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