Dubai, Oct 7 (PTI) A total of 25 Afghan players are set to feature across six franchises of the DP World ILT20 Season 5, following a strategic alliance between the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).
Afghanistan’s representation includes some of the country’s leading international stars, alongside emerging talent looking to make an impact on the global T20 stage. Fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi and batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz were among the leading Afghan signings at the Season 5 Player Auction, underlining the depth and quality of the country’s T20 talent.
The participation of the 25 Afghan cricketers fulfils the player participation commitments agreed between the two boards and further strengthens the growing connection between Afghanistan cricket and the UAE-based franchise league.
Under the agreed arrangement, each of the six ILT20 franchises is required to include a minimum of four Afghan players in its squad. In addition, the Season 5 playing conditions require at least two Afghan players to feature in each playing XI, ensuring consistent opportunities for Afghan cricketers throughout the tournament.
The participation of the Afghan players also provides an important professional pathway for emerging cricketers, giving them the opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s leading T20 players and gain valuable experience in a high-profile franchise competition.
Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan Zadran said: “The participation of 25 Afghan players in ILT20 Season 5 is a concrete outcome of ACB’s strategic alliance with the Emirates Cricket Board.
“ACB negotiated this arrangement to secure meaningful participation for our players and extend professional opportunities to the talent emerging through Afghanistan’s domestic cricket system.”
The strong presence of Afghan players further adds to the international depth of ILT20 Season 5, with all six franchises assembling squads featuring some of the biggest names in global T20 cricket. PTI AH AH UNG
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