Cricket

Afghanistan Cricket Board hails ILT20 partnership after 25 players secure contracts

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 7, 2026, 14:37 IST

Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO Naseeb Khan Zadran has praised the ILT20 for a new strategic partnership that has seen 25 Afghan cricketers sign contracts across the league's six franchises for the upcoming season.

Afghanistan Cricket Board hails ILT20 partnership after 25 players secure contracts

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has lauded the management of the ILT20 for what it describes as a game-changing initiative to integrate Afghan talent into the UAE-based T20 league. Following a strategic agreement between the ACB and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), 25 Afghan players have successfully secured contracts across all six franchise squads for the upcoming Season 5.

ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan Zadran expressed his gratitude toward the league’s leadership, specifically highlighting the contributions of ILT20 chairman Khalid Al Zarooni and league commissioner Mubashshir Usmani. According to Zadran, the vision shared by the league’s officials has been instrumental in creating professional pathways for both established international stars and emerging talent from Afghanistan.

Strategic agreement bolsters Afghan representation

The partnership between the two cricket boards includes specific mandates designed to ensure consistent participation for Afghan players. Under the terms of the agreement, each of the six franchises is required to include at least four Afghan cricketers in their respective squads. Furthermore, the playing conditions for Season 5 stipulate that a minimum of two Afghan players must be included in every playing XI, ensuring that the talent is not just signed but actively involved in match play.

The recent auction saw significant interest in Afghan players, with high-profile names such as Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz attracting substantial bids. Zadran noted that these signings have resulted in record financial returns for the players involved, further elevating the profile of Afghanistan cricket on the global stage. He emphasized that the auction process has provided unprecedented opportunities for the country's cricketers to showcase their skills in a professional environment.

Building a future for Afghanistan cricket

Reflecting on the collaboration, the ACB chief executive described the arrangement as an incredible start to a long-term vision. He stated that the strategic decision, finalized earlier this year, was rooted in a desire to expand the reach and quality of the game within Afghanistan through the support of the ILT20 and the ECB.

Zadran expressed full confidence that this alliance will continue to yield positive results for the sport. By providing a consistent platform for players to compete at a high level, the ACB believes the partnership will serve as a catalyst for growth, helping to inspire the next generation of Afghan cricket stars. The board remains committed to the partnership, viewing it as a vital component of its broader strategy to strengthen the national cricket infrastructure.