Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed that the inaugural five-team Afghanistan Premier League Twenty20 cricket tournament would be played in the United Arab Emirates in October 2018. The tournament has the potential to not only enhance the passion for the game in the country but also help make an economic and social impact.
Afghanistan Cricket Board Chairman Shukrullah Atif Mashal said more than 40 overseas cricketers have expressed interest in playing in the APL T20.
"Their presence will raise the quality of the league from the Shpageeza Cricket League that we organise at home. We are thankful to the overseas cricketers for helping Afghanistan cricket rise to the next level," he said.
"We are grateful to our Government for its support and encouragement. We believe we can provide our youth the platform to shine and move away from negative influences."
ACB Chief Executive Officer Shafiqullah Asamat Stanikzai said cricket is not just a sport in Afghanistan."It has been a unifying tool, contributing to peace, development and stability in the country. It will open the doors for youngsters inside the country and around the globe. The Board aims to make APL T20 to be among the world's top three leagues."
The UAE-based Snixer Sports Events Marketing Managing Director Vikas Yadav said talks were on with international sports broadcasters to showcase the tournament.
"We are at a pretty advanced stage of negotiations and will soon make an announcement along with the chosen broadcast partner," he said.
Snixer CEO Ashish Sethi said his organisation looked forward to presenting a world class event.
"The Afghanistan Cricket Board and Snixer Sports Events Marketing have engaged TCM Sports Management Pvt. Ltd. as the exclusive agency for the execution and operations of APL T20," he said."We are sure that all stakeholders will enjoy the Afghan Premier League experience."
Managing Director of TCM Sports Management, Lokesh Sharma said"Afghanistan has emerged as the most exciting team on the cricket horizon. They have humbled previous World Cup winner like West Indies recently. Their juniors were semi finalists at the World Cup and promise to rewrite the global cricket hierarchy. Association with Afghanistan cricket is a matter of great pride for us".
