As the Shpageeza Cricket League, Afghanistan’s premier T20 tournament, nears its conclusion with the final set for August 24, the league has garnered widespread acclaim for its role in nurturing young talent.
This year’s tournament features many of Afghanistan’s top international players, including current ODI and Test captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, former captain and leg-spinner Rashid Khan, fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, and all-rounders Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Azmatullah Omarzai.
All matches are being held in Kabul, offering fans a rare opportunity to see their cricketing heroes in action.
On the sidelines of the tournament, Shahidi spoke highly of the league, calling it a “game changer for cricket in Afghanistan.”
“Shpageeza is our top league, and this year, we have all the national heroes playing,” Shahidi said in an interview with FanCode, the league’s official broadcaster in India. “They have taken time out from their schedules to play here, and it is an opportunity for the people of Afghanistan to see their heroes in person and on TV.”
Afghanistan’s cricket team has seen significant progress in recent years, highlighted by their qualification for the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June, held in the United States and the West Indies. Many Afghan players have also gained international experience by participating in major leagues such as the Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, Caribbean Premier League, and Pakistan Super League.
The Shpageeza Cricket League continues to serve as a crucial platform for developing the next generation of Afghan cricket talent, further solidifying the country’s growing presence in the world of cricket.
