JALALABAD, Afghanistan — The 8th edition of the First-Class Tournament was kicked off on Monday in Nangarhar Province, featuring four regional teams.
The tournament, which runs from May 5 to June 22, features four regional teams — Hindukush Strikers, Mahipar Stars, Pamir Legends, and Maiwand Champions. The matches are being held at two venues: the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Cricket Stadium in Jalalabad and the Najib Tarakai Cricket Ground.
The opening fixtures saw Hindukush Strikers face Mahipar Stars at the Ghazi Amanullah Stadium, while simultaneously Pamir Legends took on Maiwand Champions at the Najib Tarakai Ground. The final stages of the tournament — including both qualifiers and the grand finale — will be broadcast live, bringing high-level domestic cricket to audiences nationwide.
Teams and Captains:
Pamir Legends, led by Abdul Malik, include notable players such as Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, and Qais Ahmad.
Hindukush Strikers, captained by Sediq Atal, field talents including Hasmatullah Shahidi and Ikram Alikhil.
Mahipar Stars, under Darwish Rasooli, feature Riaz Hassan, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Khalil Gurbaz.
Maiwand Champions, led by Yamin Ahmadzai, bring a strong lineup with Bahir Shah Mehboob, Masood Gurbaz, and Abdullah Tarakhil.
The tournament is sponsored by M Hawala and Super Cola, with support from Etisalat and Afghan Wireless, and is part of the ACB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Afghanistan’s first-class cricket system.
In a statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said the event represents a significant step in “building the future of Afghanistan cricket by providing a platform for regional talent to develop in a competitive environment.”
The competition is also viewed as a pipeline for national selection, giving selectors a close look at emerging and established talent ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Upcoming Matches:
The fixture list shows a packed schedule through mid-June, with the grand finale set for June 22. Several matches will be streamed live, offering fans across the country and abroad a chance to follow the tournament.
