Kabul, Afghanistan — Star Struck Times
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has approved a major policy change limiting its centrally contracted players to participation in only three foreign T20 leagues per year, in addition to the board’s own franchise competition. The decision, finalized during the ACB’s annual general meeting in Kabul, is aimed at managing player workload, protecting fitness, and ensuring availability for national duties. The policy could significantly affect high-profile Afghan stars like Rashid Khan, who are in constant demand across global T20 leagues.
Key Highlights
- ACB limits players to three overseas T20 leagues annually
- Policy includes mandatory participation in Afghanistan’s new five-team T20 league
- Rashid Khan and other top Afghan players may face reduced earnings
- Decision focuses on player workload and national commitments
- Similar caps already exist in Pakistan and other cricket boards
What the New ACB Policy Means
Under the newly approved regulation, Afghan players will be allowed to compete in the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) and only three additional international T20 leagues per calendar year. The ACB stated that the move is designed to reduce burnout and long-term injury risks, which have become growing concerns in modern franchise-heavy cricket.
“To protect player fitness and mental well-being, the board approved a new policy regarding foreign leagues,” the ACB said in an official statement.
The board’s new five-team franchise-based T20 league, scheduled to begin around October 2026 in the UAE, will now be a central component of Afghanistan’s domestic cricket calendar.
Impact on Rashid Khan and Other Stars
The policy could have notable financial implications for Rashid Khan, the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket history. Rashid currently features across multiple global leagues, including:
- Indian Premier League (IPL) – Gujarat Titans
- SA20 – MI Cape Town (captain)
- ILT20 – MI Emirates
- Major League Cricket (MLC) – MI New York
Limiting his appearances may force Rashid to prioritize certain leagues over others, potentially affecting his annual earnings. Other Afghan players expected to feel the impact include Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, all of whom are regular picks in international franchise drafts.
A cricket analyst familiar with franchise economics noted, “Afghan players are among the most sought-after in T20 cricket. Any restriction reshapes not just their calendars, but the global league ecosystem as well.”
Reactions from Fans and the Cricket Community
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans and observers. Some supporters welcomed the move, citing long-term benefits for Afghan cricket.
“We want our players fresh for Afghanistan, not exhausted year-round,” one fan wrote on social media.
Others expressed concern over players losing financial opportunities in a short professional career span.
“Rashid earned his place globally. Limiting him feels unfair,” another cricket fan commented.
Despite the debate, the ACB maintains that national performance must remain the top priority.
Why the Decision Matters
Afghanistan has rapidly emerged as a competitive force in international white-ball cricket. Managing player availability is crucial as the team prepares for major tournaments, including the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India.
The policy also aligns Afghanistan with other boards. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), for example, restricts players to two foreign leagues outside the Pakistan Super League. Similar workload management strategies are increasingly common as cricket calendars become more congested.
Upcoming Fixtures and Context
Afghanistan’s next assignment is a three-match T20I series against West Indies, scheduled to be played in the UAE, before the team travels to India for the T20 World Cup preparations.
For broader context on international cricket governance, coverage from ESPNcricinfo, ICC, and Cricbuzz highlights how boards worldwide are tightening controls on player workloads.
What Happens Next
The immediate focus will be on how Afghan players and franchises adapt to the new rules. Contract negotiations, league preferences, and national scheduling will all play a role. The success of Afghanistan’s upcoming domestic T20 league will likely determine whether the policy is adjusted in future seasons.
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FAQs
Q1: Why did the ACB introduce this policy now?
The ACB introduced the policy to address growing concerns about player fatigue, injuries, and mental burnout caused by nonstop participation in global T20 leagues.
Q2: How many leagues can Afghan players now play?
Players can feature in the Afghanistan Premier League plus three foreign T20 leagues per year.
Q3: Will this affect Rashid Khan’s IPL participation?
Rashid Khan can still play in the IPL, but he may need to skip other leagues to stay within the limit.
Q4: Do other cricket boards have similar rules?
Yes. The PCB and several other boards already restrict overseas league participation to manage workloads.
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Sources
- ESPNcricinfo
- International Cricket Council (ICC)
- Cricbuzz
