Afghanistan Limit Franchise Leagues At Three as ACB Brings New Workload Policy

The Afghanistan Cricket Board approved a new policy limiting top players to three overseas franchise leagues per year to protect fitness and ensure availability for domestic and national duties.

Top Afghanistan players, including Rashid Khan, were restricted to playing a maximum of three overseas franchise leagues per year under a new policy approved by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). In addition, all leading players must be available for a revamped domestic competition, including the Afghanistan Premier League (APL).

The decision was taken during the ACB’s annual general meeting held in Kabul on Wednesday and was officially confirmed through a board statement. The move aims to manage player workload while safeguarding long-term performance for the national team.

“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,” ACB’s statement said.

The ACB clarified that participation in the five-team Afghanistan Premier League will be mandatory for all players. The tournament is scheduled to be launched around October 2026 in the United Arab Emirates as part of the board’s plan to strengthen domestic cricket.

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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 joined the meeting virtually via video link.

What Will Happen To Rashid Khan?

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s biggest global star, currently features in franchise leagues across India, the UAE, the United States, South Africa, and England. Other Afghanistan players such as Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar also regularly compete in multiple overseas leagues.

The ACB’s decision brings Afghanistan closer to policies followed by other cricket boards. Pakistan, for example, restricts its centrally contracted players to two overseas leagues outside the Pakistan Super League, while India does not allow its contracted male players to take part in any foreign leagues.

The new rule is expected to have a significant impact on Afghanistan’s leading cricketers, who have become regular faces in global franchise cricket over the last few years.