The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Thursday announced the introduction of the Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup to its domestic cricket lineup, set to begin on April 16 in Kandahar province.
The tournament will showcase five regional teams — Mis-e-Ainak, Band-e-Amir, Speenghar, Amo, and Bost — competing in a Twenty20 format.
Over 12 days, 21 matches will be held, with teams playing each other twice in a double round-robin format. The top two teams will advance to the Grand Finale on April 27.
Designed to prepare national players for the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2024, the Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup will include players from the High Performance Center (HPC) camp, domestic contracted players, and standout participants from the ACB’s emerging and development programs.
Initially planned for later in the 2024 season, the tournament was moved to April to ensure adequate preparation for the T20 World Cup. The ACB opted for the National T20 Cup over the 9th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League due to logistical challenges and the difficulty of securing a production company.
Mohammad Nazeem Jaar Abdulrahimzai, ACB’s Domestic Cricket Manager, highlighted the tournament’s role in team preparation and cricket development in Afghanistan.
“The Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup is a crucial step towards blending experienced and junior players, enhancing skill levels, and contributing to the sport’s growth in the region,” he said. “This tournament is pivotal in preparing the national team for the ICC event, offering vital match practice ahead of the international competition.”
The Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup is anticipated to significantly enrich Afghanistan’s domestic cricket scene, underpinning the country’s cricket achievements. The ACB continues its commitment to expanding the sport throughout Afghanistan, fostering new talent, and elevating the nation’s cricket profile.
