ACB Introduces “Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup”

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is pleased to introduce a new addition to its domestic cricket calendar – the Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup, which is scheduled to commence post Eid Al Fitr, on April 16 in Kandahar Province.

This exciting tournament features five regional teams competing in a T20 format and a total of 21 exhilarating games will be played across 12 days. The teams, representing Mis-e-Ainak, Band-e-Amir, Speenghar, Amo, and Bost regions, will face each other twice in a double round-robin format, before the top two teams secure spots in the Grand Finale on April 27.

The Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup is designed as a platform to prepare national-level players for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2024. In an attempt to nurture emerging cricketers, the teams will also include players from the ongoing HPC camp, domestic contracted players, and top performers from ACB’s emerging and development programs.

The event was originally slated for the latter part of the 2024 season but has been brought forward to April to ensure optimal preparation for the forthcoming T20 World Cup. The ACB initially considered plans for the 9th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League for this window, but logistical issues and the challenges of acquiring a renowned production company for the event prompted the decision to prioritize the National T20 Cup.

Mohammad Nazeem Jaar Abdulrahimzai, ACB Domestic Cricket Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the tournament’s potential positive impact on the preparation of the team for the upcoming international assignment as well as on the development of the game in Afghanistan. “The Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup will greatly integrate senior players with the juniors, which helps in the skill building of the players as well as contributes to the overall development of the game in the region.”

“The ACB aims to provide ample preparation to the National Team ahead of the upcoming ICC event, and this tournament will offer comprehensive match-time preparation for the national team which will be crucial for their success at the mega event upfront”. He added.

The addition of the Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup is expected to enrich Afghanistan's domestic cricket landscape, which serves as the cornerstone of Afghanistan Cricket. The ACB remains committed to taking the game to all parts of the country, nurturing emerging talents, and propelling Afghanistan's cricket to greater heights.