The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has introduced a landmark policy limiting top national players to a maximum of three international franchise leagues annually, in addition to mandatory participation in the upcoming domestic competition.
Approved during the ACB’s annual general meeting in Kabul on January 15, 2026, the rule aims to balance the growing demands of global T20 leagues with national team obligations and player health.
Workload Management and Domestic Priority The policy, driven by concerns over player fitness and mental well-being, restricts elite cricketers—such as star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and young sensation AM Ghazanfar—from exceeding three overseas leagues per calendar year.
All players must remain available for the rebooted five-team Afghanistan Premier League (APL), set to launch around October 2026 in the United Arab Emirates. The ACB emphasized that “this measure aims to manage workload and ensure peak performance for national duties,” highlighting the need to prevent burnout amid Afghanistan’s packed international schedule, including an upcoming T20I series against West Indies and the 2026 T20 World Cup in India.
Implications for Players and Global Leagues The cap could impact earnings and exposure for Afghanistan’s sought-after T20 talents, who frequently feature in high-profile tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL), SA20, ILT20, Major League Cricket (MLC), and others. Rashid Khan, the highest wicket-taker in T20 history and captain of MI Cape Town in SA20, exemplifies players who may face financial trade-offs.
The policy aligns with similar restrictions elsewhere—Pakistan limits centrally contracted players to two overseas leagues beyond the PSL, while India bars contracted players from foreign leagues entirely. Supporters view it as a step toward sustainable careers and stronger national team performances, though it may reduce Afghan star availability in international franchises.