KABUL — The 10th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League is set to begin next Saturday, July 19, in Kabul, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirming finalized squads for the five competing regional teams earlier this week.
The ACB’s national selection committee announced the squads on July 9, with each side featuring a blend of national team regulars and emerging domestic talent. The tournament, powered by XBull, is Afghanistan’s premier T20 competition and will be held entirely in the capital.
The participating teams are: Mis-e Ainak Knights, Boost Defenders, Band-e Amir Dragons, Amo Sharks, and Speen Ghar Tigers.
Several well-known names will lead their respective franchises.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s celebrated international cricketer, will lead the Speen Ghar Tigers, alongside teammates like Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, and Ikram Alikhil.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz will captain Mis-e Ainak Knights, with veterans like Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Afsar Zazai bolstering the squad.
Ibrahim Zadran heads the Boost Defenders, supported by players such as Noor Ahmad, Karim Janat, and Tariq Stanikzai.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, the Test captain of Afghanistan, leads the Band-e Amir Dragons, joined by Mohammad Shahzad, Nijat Masood, and Gulbadin Naib.
Azmatullah Omarzai takes charge of the Amo Sharks, whose lineup includes Fazal Haq Farooqi, Qais Ahmad, and Sharafuddin Ashraf.
The Shpageeza League, first launched in 2013, has become a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s domestic cricket calendar. Beyond showcasing emerging talent, it remains one of the few major public sporting events regularly held in the country.
The tournament opener on July 19 marks the start of what organizers expect to be a highly competitive season, with all matches scheduled to take place in Kabul.
