APL to make a big comeback in 2025: ACB excited for revival - Cricket Winner

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is planning to relaunch the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), the country’s franchise-based T20 tournament in 2025. The inaugural APL season took place in the UAE in 2018 with the Balkh Legends emerging as champions. Since then the ACB has made several attempts to restart the league but none have succeeded until now.

ACB’s chief executive Naseeb Khan is optimistic about the APL’s return after the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He mentioned that the ACB couldn’t relaunch the tournament this year due to a packed schedule with domestic and international commitments. “We are determined to re-launch the APL and are working hard to make it happen,” Naseeb told Cricbuzz.

ACB Plans APL Relaunch in 2025 Amid Busy International Schedule

Naseeb shared that the ACB hopes to restart the APL next year. “This year, our schedule is too busy with international commitments and domestic matches, but we aim to relaunch the APL after the next IPL,” he said. The ACB had already conducted a bidding process with many interested companies, and they have shortlisted a few. They are now waiting for board approval to proceed.

The ACB had proposed a new itinerary with three ODIs and three T20Is to be played in Greater Noida between July 25 and August 6. However, it seems unlikely to take place in July, with the BCB expected to confirm their position soon.

Greater Noida Confirmed as Afghanistan’s Home Venue for Upcoming Series

Regardless of whether the series against Bangladesh happens, Naseeb is pleased that Greater Noida will be Afghanistan’s home venue. The BCCI recently allotted venues in Kanpur and Greater Noida for Afghanistan’s home games. Afghanistan has previously played their home matches mostly in the UAE but is now ready to host teams in India.

“India was our home ground before, and we consider Greater Noida our home ground. This is important as we renewed our agreement with the BCCI for three more years,” said Naseeb. “We are expected to host New Zealand and West Indies before the Champions Trophy, although the venue is yet to be confirmed. Playing well in Indian conditions during the World Cup has made Greater Noida a crucial home ground for us, and we are working to extend this agreement further.”

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