The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is set to issue No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players participating in the new Afghanistan Premier League T20 (APL), despite its current policy against scheduling bilateral series with Afghanistan. This decision hinges on the APL receiving an official endorsement from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In light of widespread criticism regarding the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban government, the ECB recently faced significant pressure to withdraw from a Champions Trophy game in Lahore against Afghanistan. This match, which Afghanistan won by eight runs, ultimately went ahead following a public statement from ECB chair Richard Thompson. He expressed his concerns about the “appalling oppression” and urged for a “coordinated international response by the cricketing community,” rather than opting for a one-off boycott approach.
Set to commence on December 27, the APL is organised by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and partners including Trans Group and ITW Universe. The initial season is planned for the UAE, though promotional materials suggest future matches could take place at the Kabul International Cricket Stadium.
The ECB’s facilitator, the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), had voiced uncertainty over NOCs for the APL, due to the ECB’s previously cautious stance towards Afghanistan cricket. However, it appears the league will be viewed similarly to other international franchise tournaments, assuming ICC backing is secured. The distinction, according to the ECB, lies in their decision to avoid bilateral series with Afghanistan, given their lack of a women’s team, while being permissive regarding English players joining international franchise events.
The APL draft was rescheduled from September 27 to October 24. Several prominent English players, including those with central ECB contracts like Ollie Pope and Luke Wood, are listed for participation. Additional names include James Vince, Moeen Ali, Jason Roy, Reece Topley, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Laurie Evans.
In recent years, some Afghan players have made an impact in English domestic leagues. This season saw Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan, representing the Manchester Super Giants and MI London respectively, shine in the Hundred tournament. Likewise, Fazalhaq Farooqi made appearances for Glamorgan in the T20 Blast.
Despite past resistance, the ECB’s latest stance highlights an effort to balance professional opportunities for players while navigating international cricket politics. Meanwhile, the Afghan refugee women’s team toured England amid continuing initiatives by the ICC taskforce, which includes ECB involvement, to integrate Afghan women athletes into the cricket community with pathways for potential ICC qualification by 2030.
