Sport
ACB signs 10-year strategic partnership to deliver Afghanistan Premier League T20
In a landmark development for Afghan cricket, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with ITW MEA to manage and deliver the Afghanistan Premier League (APL T20) over the next 10 editions.
The agreement, signed by ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, CEO Naseeb Khan, and ITW MEA Director Vivek Chandra, marks a major step in reviving the country’s flagship T20 tournament.
ITW MEA, a UAE- and Africa-based company with a proven track record in media and sports management, will serve as the APL’s commercial and operational partner.
As part of the agreement, a joint governing council comprising ACB and ITW representatives will oversee the planning, venue selection, and operational decisions of the league.
The partnership aims to position the APL as a high-caliber global tournament and a vital platform for nurturing Afghan talent.
“The relaunch of the Afghanistan Premier League is a momentous achievement for Afghan cricket and its passionate fans,” said ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf at the signing ceremony.
“We are delighted to have partnered with a reputed organization like ITW for the successful delivery of the APL’s upcoming editions. This marks a significant step forward, and the official dates and venues will be announced soon.”
The ACB began the search for a strategic partner more than a year ago through a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Following extensive evaluation, ITW MEA was selected for its financial strength, technical capabilities, and experience working with global cricket bodies such as the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council.
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan emphasized the long-term vision behind the deal: “Reviving the Afghanistan Premier League has been among our top priorities. Our focus is not just on hosting a tournament but on elevating the league’s quality, competitiveness, and prestige. This platform will
provide vital opportunities for our players and immense value to Afghan cricket overall.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, ITW MEA’s Vivek Chandra said: “We are honored to join hands with the Afghanistan Cricket Board as their investor and commercial partner. Afghanistan’s meteoric rise in world cricket has been inspiring, and this partnership reflects our commitment to contributing to the growth and success of Afghan cricket.”
To mark the occasion, a grand opening ceremony is scheduled for August 2025, where cricketing figures, business leaders, and international dignitaries will gather to celebrate the league’s revival. The ceremony will also unveil the venue and tournament window for the upcoming edition.
The Afghanistan Premier League was first launched in 2018 but faced operational and logistical challenges in subsequent years. With this new partnership, the ACB aims to deliver a stable, world-class tournament that bolsters the country’s cricketing infrastructure and global presence.
Afghanistan’s national buzkashi team was eliminated from the Kokpar World Championship after losing 4–2 to Uzbekistan in the semifinals on Friday.
The defeat prevented the Afghan team from reaching the final, ending their hopes for the tournament title.
Earlier in the tournament, Afghanistan had secured victories over Hungary, Mongolia, and Russia, showcasing strong performances in the opening rounds.
The international Kokpar competition was hosted in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan, bringing together top teams from around the world.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Israel Football Association (IFA) for multiple breaches of its obligations as a FIFA member, following allegations of discrimination raised by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).
The decision comes after the PFA submitted a proposal at FIFA’s 74th Congress, prompting the FIFA Council to mandate a formal investigation. The Committee found that the IFA violated Articles 13 and 15 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, covering offensive behaviour, breaches of fair play, and racist abuse.
As part of the sanctions, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000, issued a formal warning, and ordered to implement a comprehensive prevention plan. The plan includes displaying a highly visible banner reading “Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination” at its next three home matches in A-level FIFA competitions. FIFA must approve the banner’s layout and placement before each game.
Additionally, one-third of the fine must be invested in anti-discrimination initiatives within 60 days, including reforms, protocols, monitoring, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official channels for a full season. The remainder of the fine must be paid within 30 days.
FIFA emphasized that football carries a responsibility to promote dignity, equality, and mutual respect, particularly during periods of conflict and division.
The IFA has been formally notified, and the decision has been published on FIFA’s legal portal. The ruling remains subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Afghanistan national buzkashi team secured a 14–0 victory over Hungary in its opening match of the 2026 International Kokpar Tournament in Kazakhstan.
The city of Turkestan in Kazakhstan is hosting the international Kokpar competition.
The tournament began on March 15 and will continue until March 21, 2026.
Teams from Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkey are participating in the competition.
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