Post by : Meena Ariff

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has approved a new policy that limits how many overseas franchise leagues its top players can participate in each year. Under the updated rules, leading Afghan cricketers, including star all-rounder Rashid Khan, will be allowed to play in no more than three foreign franchise tournaments annually.

The decision was taken during the board’s annual general meeting held in Kabul on Wednesday. Officials said the move is aimed at protecting players’ physical fitness and mental well-being, as many national team members have been playing almost continuously across different international leagues.

In recent years, Afghan players have become highly valued in global T20 competitions due to their strong performances, particularly in spin bowling and all-round skills. This growing demand has resulted in packed schedules, frequent international travel, and very limited recovery time between tournaments.

Cricket board officials warned that such heavy workloads increase the risk of injuries, fatigue, mental burnout, and long-term decline in performance. The new policy is intended to help players manage their workload better and extend their careers at the highest level.

Alongside restrictions on overseas appearances, the policy also makes it mandatory for centrally contracted players to be available for a newly restructured domestic cricket competition. The board believes this step will significantly strengthen Afghanistan’s domestic cricket system.

By ensuring senior national players take part in domestic matches, the board hopes to raise playing standards and provide young cricketers with valuable exposure to experienced international players. Officials said this will help identify new talent and create a stronger pipeline for the national team.

The revived domestic competition is expected to play a key role in rebuilding the country’s cricket structure. Regular high-quality matches at home will improve match readiness and give selectors a clearer view of emerging players.

The board also clarified that national team commitments will take priority over franchise cricket. Players selected for international tours, training camps, or national tournaments will be required to prioritise those duties, even if it affects participation in overseas leagues.

Officials stressed that the policy is not intended to limit players’ earning opportunities but to ensure their long-term health and availability for Afghanistan cricket. They said a balanced approach between international exposure and domestic responsibility is essential for sustainable growth.

The new policy reflects a broader effort to protect Afghan cricket’s future by maintaining player fitness, strengthening domestic competitions, and ensuring the national team remains competitive on the global stage.

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