Afghanistan Cricket Board and ITW MEA Sign 10-Year Deal to Revive Afghanistan Premier League (APL T20)

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a groundbreaking 10-year partnership with ITW MEA, a UAE- and Africa-based company with extensive experience in media and sports management. The deal aims to revive and elevate the Afghanistan Premier League (APL T20), which was first launched in 2018 but faced operational challenges in subsequent years.

The agreement was signed by ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, CEO Naseeb Khan, and ITW MEA Director Vivek Chandra. ITW MEA will serve as the APL’s commercial and operational partner, with a joint governing council comprising representatives from both organizations overseeing the league’s planning, venue selection, and operational decisions.

A New Era for Afghan Cricket

The partnership is expected to position the APL as a high-caliber global tournament and a vital platform for nurturing Afghan talent. ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf emphasized the significance of the deal, stating, “The relaunch of the Afghanistan Premier League is a momentous achievement for Afghan cricket and its passionate fans. We are delighted to have partnered with a reputed organization like ITW for the successful delivery of the APL’s upcoming editions.”

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan highlighted the long-term vision behind the partnership: “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.”

ITW MEA’s Role and Expertise

ITW MEA was selected after a rigorous Request for Proposal (RFP) process that evaluated financial strength, technical capabilities, and experience working with global cricket bodies such as the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council. Vivek Chandra, Director of ITW MEA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “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.”

Grand Opening Ceremony in August 2025

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.