The Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20 2026 has taken shape, with all five franchises finalising their squads following the player draft held in Dubai on November 3. The inaugural season of the revamped
five-team competition will feature some of the biggest names in international cricket alongside Afghanistan’s leading players and emerging talents.
A total of 90 players were selected from a pool of 462 cricketers across six categories and 18 rounds. With five Afghan Icon players already allocated to the franchises, each team has completed its 19-member squad.
Some of the biggest international names featuring in the competition include Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, Alex Hales, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Perera, Imran Tahir, Colin Munro and David Wiese.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on December 27, 2026, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Afghanistan Premier League 2026: All five teams and their complete squads
1. Kandahar Warriors squad
Afghanistan superstar Rashid Khan will lead Kandahar Warriors, who have assembled a strong combination of international experience and domestic talent. The franchise has also secured the services of former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Perera and England fast bowler Tymal Mills.
Complete squad: Rashid Khan Arman (Icon), Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nabi Eisakhil, Joe Clarke, Karim Janat, Hassan Eisakhil, Farid Ahmad Malik, Kusal Perera, Tymal Mills, Mohammad Shahzad, Muslim Musa, Dwaine Pretorius, George Munsey, Allah Noor Naseri, Numan Shah Agha, Usman Khan, Naseer Khan Maroofkhil, Shawkat Zaman Momand and Mohammad Ibrahim Masood.
Captain: Rashid Khan
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2. Nangarhar Cosmic squad
Nangarhar Cosmic have secured some exciting international signings, with England’s Alex Hales and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan among their biggest attractions. Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis and West Indies batter Amir Jangoo further strengthen their batting options.
Complete squad: Rahmat Shah Zurmatai (Icon), Alex Hales, Darwish Rasooli, Shakib Al Hasan, Kamindu Mendis, Ziawrahman Sharifi, Mohammad Akram Zazai, Ikram Alikhil, Junaid Siddique, Zahir Khan Pakten, Ismatullah Alam, Mohammad Yamin Ahmadzai, Amir Jangoo, Shafiqullah Ghafari, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Bahar Ali Shinwari, Islam Khan Zazai, Aftab Alam and Zubairullah Akbari.
Captain: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
3. Akcel United Kabul squad
Akcel United Kabul have put together a formidable squad featuring several established international performers. Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai is the franchise’s Icon player, while West Indies batter Johnson Charles headlines their overseas batting options.
The presence of Fazalhaq Farooqi, Dushmantha Chameera, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and veteran South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir adds considerable strength to their bowling attack.
Complete squad: Azmatullah Omarzai (Icon), Johnson Charles, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Dushmantha Chameera, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Imran Mir, Sharafuddin Ashraf, D’Arcy Short, Shamim Hossain, Imran Tahir, Hazratullah Zazai, Dawood Ahmadzai, Abdul Rahman Rahmani, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Uzairullah Niazai, Khalid Ahmadzai, Keramatullah, Said Bahir Shah Mahbob and Curtis Campher.
Captain: Azmatullah Omarzai
4. Team Balkh squad
Team Balkh have secured the services of England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who will be one of the biggest overseas attractions in the competition. Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran will lead the side, which also features Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal and UAE captain Muhammad Waseem.
Complete squad: Ibrahim Zadran (Icon), Moeen Ali, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Luke Wood, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Muhammad Waseem, Afsar Khan Zazai, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Thomas Moores, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Abdullah Tarakhail, Colin Ackermann, Mohammad Waqar Salamkheil, Salaam Khan Ahmadzai, Azizullah Miakhil, Abdul Aziz Khan, Qais Ahmad and Christopher Wood.
Captain: Ibrahim Zadran
5. Team Paktia squad
Team Paktia have arguably one of the most exciting combinations, with wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz leading the franchise. Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana and New Zealand batter Colin Munro are among their major international acquisitions.
The team also features experienced names such as David Wiese, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Gerhard Erasmus and England pacer Olly Stone.
Complete squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Icon), Wanindu Hasaranga, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, Nahid Rana, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Farmanullah Safi, Colin Munro, David Wiese, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hasibullah Lakanwal, Nangeyalia Khan, Gerhard Erasmus, Olly Stone, Masoodulrahman Gurbaz, Abid Mohammadi, Khalid Taniwal, Wahidullah Zadran, Sediqullah Pacha and Khalil Ahmad Gurbaz.
Captain: Rahmat Shah
When will Afghanistan Premier League 2026 begin?
The Afghanistan Premier League 2026 is scheduled to commence on December 27 in the UAE. The competition will mark an important step for Afghanistan cricket, bringing together international stars and local talent in a franchise-based T20 tournament.
With five franchises, 95 players across the final squads and several established international match-winners, the competition promises an exciting contest. The presence of Rashid Khan, Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, Alex Hales and Wanindu Hasaranga will be among the major talking points as fans prepare for the return of the Afghanistan Premier League.
