Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL)
The Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), earlier known under various sponsorship titles, remains Afghanistan’s leading Twenty20 competition governed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Over the years, it has developed into a vibrant platform showcasing emerging Afghan talent and select overseas players, creating a cricketing identity that resonates strongly with fans across South Asia. Played annually with multiple franchise teams, the league is known for its quick tempo, passionate rivalries and a style of cricket that appeals widely to Indian viewers and cricket audiences. Its growing visibility and energetic presentation continue to position it as one of the more prominent developing T20 leagues followed by Indian audiences.
The 2026 edition, staged from July 1 to July 15 2026, delivered another memorable chapter. The final, held at Rahmat Wali Masroor Cricket Stadium in Khost, saw Amo Sharks clinch their third SCL title after a confident 7-wicket victory over Speen Ghar Tigers. The win further cemented Amo Sharks as one of the tournament’s most consistent and successful sides, adding another strong milestone to their growing legacy.
The SCL continues to play a crucial role in Afghanistan’s cricketing rise, offering a compact format, fresh team combinations and annually renewed excitement that keeps the league dynamic. With expanding broadcast reach and increasing engagement from Indian cricket audiences, its profile continues to strengthen across the region.
Introduction
Shpageeza Cricket League stands today as one of Afghanistan’s most defining cricket projects, shaped by a mix of sporting ambition, cultural pride and the country’s evolving cricketing identity. Launched in 2013 under the Afghanistan Cricket Board, it began with five regional teams and gradually developed into a franchise-style T20 competition featuring national stars, under-19 prospects and select overseas players. Its structure has remained compact and intense, typically running as a short annual tournament with a round-robin stage followed by playoffs, all hosted in Kabul. Over time, the league has become a central pillar of Afghanistan’s domestic cricket pathway, recognised by the ICC as an official T20 competition from 2017 onwards.
Beyond the cricketing action, the league reflects Afghanistan’s broader journey with sport. Franchising, sponsorship deals and improved broadcast production have helped professionalize the tournament, while partnerships with channels such as 1TV have ensured nationwide visibility. The event’s growth also mirrors the rise of Afghan cricket on the global stage, offering fans a rare chance to watch their national heroes compete on home soil. Even during challenging periods, the league has continued to operate as a unifying cultural space, drawing strong local followings and nurturing regional identities through teams like Amo Sharks, Mis Ainak Knights, Band-e-Amir Dragons, Boost Defenders and Speen Ghar Tigers.
Its competitive format, fast scheduling and high-scoring nature have made it a favourite among viewers who enjoy sharp, three-hour T20 contests. The draft-based player selection system adds another layer of excitement, ensuring fresh combinations each year and giving emerging cricketers a platform to break through. The league’s history, team profiles and structural insights also provide useful context for understanding how Afghanistan has developed its domestic cricket ecosystem despite limited resources and changing conditions.
Readers who prefer exploring the full article in Hindi can also access that version within the page (शपगीजा क्रिकेट लीग (SCL) हिंदी समीक्षा), gaining additional cultural context and region-specific nuances that enrich the overall understanding of the league.
Current Season
The 2026 Shpageeza Cricket League was held from July 1 to July 15 2026 in Khost, concluding with Amo Sharks defeating Speen Ghar Tigers by 7 wickets in the final at Rahmat Wali Masroor Cricket Ground. This edition marked the league’s first full relocation outside Kabul.
The 2026 edition of the e& Shpageeza Cricket League took place with a significant shift in identity, marking the first time the tournament was staged entirely outside Kabul. Instead of anticipating a move, the league successfully completed its full schedule in Khost, where all 21 matches were hosted at the Rahmat Wali Masroor Cricket Ground. The Afghanistan Cricket Board had outlined a five-team double round robin, and the format unfolded as planned, with each side playing eight league matches before the top two advanced to the final.
The participating teams remained unchanged: Amo Sharks, Band-e-Amir Dragons, Mis-e-Ainak Knights, Bost Defenders, and Speen Ghar Tigers. The structure produced a competitive league phase, with Speen Ghar Tigers and Amo Sharks emerging as the strongest performers and eventually qualifying for the title clash. The double round robin once again delivered tight mid-table battles and maintained strong interest as fans followed form swings and match-ups. Afghan players with experience across domestic and international cricket featured prominently across the fortnight, adding depth and familiarity to the squads.
After years of staging the league almost exclusively in Kabul, the shift to Khost marked a meaningful expansion of Afghanistan’s cricket footprint. The city provided the setting for the entire competition, with the Rahmat Wali Masroor Cricket Ground hosting the league phase and final. The tournament brought the SCL to a new regional venue while giving local supporters the chance to watch Afghanistan’s leading domestic T20 competition in Khost. For Indian viewers following the league, the new venue also added a fresh visual and atmospheric identity to the broadcast.
The league continued with the same headline partners as the 2026 edition was announced with e& as the title sponsor and SuperCola as the powered-by sponsor. Commercial continuity remained a feature of the tournament, with the established e& and SuperCola branding carried across the competition. Broadcast arrangements also included FanCode for Indian viewers, giving the tournament an established digital viewing option in the Indian market. The compact schedule provided a consistent run of matches from the opening game through to the final.
With its successful relocation, competitive five-team field, and established commercial backing, the 2026 Shpageeza Cricket League concluded as a season of renewal rather than anticipation. The compact 21-match schedule delivered a dense run of action that kept fans and cricket analysts engaged throughout mid-July.
As of now, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has not released official details for the 2027 edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League. Dates, venue, and structural decisions remain unannounced, so the format and hosting arrangements for the next edition are yet to be confirmed.
Previous Seasons
The Shpageeza Cricket League has a long and eventful history, filled with memorable matches and performances that have helped shape the competition over the years. Here is a look at some of the previous tournaments and how they have contributed to the growth of this important Afghan T20 competition:
Past Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL) Editions
- 2026 Season
The 2026 edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League, the 11th season of the tournament, was held from 01 July to 15 July 2026 in Khost, with all 21 matches played at the Rahmat Wali Masroor Cricket Stadium in a compact five-team double round robin format. Amo Sharks claimed the championship with a 7-wicket win over Speen Ghar Tigers in the final, completing a confident chase to secure another major T20 title. This season marked the league's first full relocation outside Kabul, giving the event a refreshed identity while maintaining its single-venue rhythm and regional following. The structure remained unchanged, the match flow stayed fast, and the tournament continued to attract interest from viewers following the competition and its results throughout the fortnight.
- 2025 Season
The 2025 edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League, which was the 10th edition of the tournament, ran from 19 July to 31 July 2025 at the Kabul International Cricket Stadium, featuring five teams in a compact T20 structure with a full league stage followed by the title clash. Amo Sharks lifted the trophy after a dominant 8-wicket win against Mis Ainak Knights, successfully chasing 122 in 12.4 overs in the final. The tournament included 21 matches, maintained its single-venue format, and continued to attract strong regional attention thanks to its fast-scoring rates and consistent match rhythm, making the 2025 season another notable chapter in the league's history. With competitive performances across the league and standout individual displays, the 2025 season reinforced the SCL's position as Afghanistan's premier T20 competition and a key platform for tracking emerging domestic talent.
- 2024 Season
The 2024 edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), also known as the 2024 X-Bull Energy Shpageeza Cricket League owing to its sponsorship, was the ninth edition of Afghanistan's domestic T20 tournament. Formed in 2013 by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the competition has developed into an established part of Afghanistan's domestic cricket calendar, bringing together leading local players and emerging talent. The 2024 edition continued the league's established T20 format and provided another important stage for Afghan cricketers to compete in a franchise-style tournament.
The 2024 edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League was a memorable one. Despite the difficulties brought about by the cancellation of the previous season, the event lived up to the expectations that were set for it. Players showed their talent in the shortest version of the game, resulting in some outstanding cricket throughout the competition, which consisted of five teams.
Following fierce competition, Amo Sharks emerged victorious and claimed the Shpageeza Cricket League 2024 title. Throughout the competition, the Sharks impressed with their performances, demonstrating the talent and enthusiasm of Afghan cricket players.
- Recent Seasons (2021-2023)
Even though the season of 2021 was postponed owing to logistical difficulties, the SCL made a comeback in 2022. In the eighth season, which took place from July 18 to August 5, 2022, there were a total of 32 matches with eight teams competing. Following a nail-biting final, Speen Ghar Tigers were victorious against Boost Defenders by a score of six runs, therefore reclaiming the championship. The season was a display of high-octane cricket, with stars like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan attracting interest from around the world. The competition was made available to Indian fans via live streaming on FanCode, helping broaden its reach among viewers following Afghan domestic cricket.
The Kabul Eagles and the Speen Ghar Tigers remained prominent teams during the 2023 season, which continued the league's competitive character. The league's scheduling and production helped maintain its profile among cricket enthusiasts, while close finishes and individual performances added to its growing history. These memorable moments have helped keep the Shpageeza Cricket League relevant to followers of Afghan cricket across successive seasons.
- Growth and Recognition (2017-2020)
The league's development during this period represented an important stage in the history of the Shpageeza Cricket League. After winning the championship in 2019, Kabul Eagles went on to defend their title in 2020 with a dramatic nine-run triumph against Mis Ainak Knights in the championship game. Kabul Eagles became a prominent force in the competition. Players such as Hazratullah Zazai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman produced match-winning performances over these seasons, demonstrating the depth of talent within Afghan cricket. The growing profile of the league also helped establish the SCL as an important domestic T20 platform, giving established players and emerging cricketers an opportunity to perform on a larger stage.
- Early Years (2013-2016)
At the beginning of the Shpageeza Cricket League's existence, the foundation was set for its eventual growth. In their first season, which took place in 2013, the Speen Ghar Tigers were victorious, establishing a competitive benchmark for the new tournament. In 2014, Mis Ainak Knights were victorious and won the championship. Players like Gulbadin Naib, who was awarded the title of Player of the Tournament, were among those who showed exceptional performance. These early editions, which were shown on Shamshad TV and later on 1TV, contributed to the establishment of the SCL as an important event in Afghan cricket. The dedication of the ACB to the competition, despite the logistical difficulties it faced, helped the tournament develop, with each season bringing new players, greater exposure and continued interest.
| Season | Champion | Runner-up | Final Result | Event / Final Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Amo Sharks | Speenghar Tigers | Amo Sharks won by 7 wickets | Rahmat Wali Masroor Cricket Stadium, Khost |
| 2025 | Amo Sharks | Mis Ainak Knights | Amo Sharks won by 8 wickets | Kabul International Cricket Stadium, Kabul |
| 2024 | Amo Sharks | Band-e-Amir Dragons | Amo Sharks won by 7 wickets | Kabul International Cricket Stadium, Kabul |
| 2022 | Speenghar Tigers | Boost Defenders | Speenghar Tigers won by 6 runs | Kabul International Cricket Stadium, Kabul |
| 2020 | Kabul Eagles | Mis Ainak Knights | Kabul Eagles won by 9 runs | Kabul International Cricket Stadium, Kabul |
| 2019 | Mis Ainak Knights | Band-e-Amir Dragons | Mis Ainak Knights won by 4 wickets | Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground, Kabul |
| 2017 | Band-e-Amir Dragons | Mis Ainak Knights | Band-e-Amir Dragons won by 4 runs | Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground, Kabul |
| 2016 | Kabul Eagles | Mis Ainak Knights | Kabul Eagles won by 5 wickets | Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground, Kabul |
| 2015 | Speenghar Tigers | Kabul Eagles | Speenghar Tigers won by 5 wickets | Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground, Kabul |
| 2014 | Mis Ainak Knights | Band-e-Amir Dragons | Mis Ainak Knights won by 14 runs | Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground, Kabul |
| 2013 | Speenghar Tigers | Amo Sharks | * Not documented | Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground, Kabul |
History and Structure
In 2013, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) founded the Shpageeza Cricket League to provide Afghan cricketers with the chance to exhibit their abilities and to raise the overall level of cricket in the nation. The Twenty20 competition has become one of the most prestigious events in the area as a result of the league's increasing popularity and professionalism throughout its history.
- Format
The Twenty20 format, which is widely considered to be one of the most action-packed forms in the game, serves as the foundation for the Shpageeza Cricket League's structure. The group stages of the league are normally played according to a round-robin format, in which each club plays against the other teams in the league. After the group stages, the teams who finished in first place go on to the playoffs, which culminate in the championship game, when the victor is awarded the title of champion.
- Teams
The number of teams that compete in the league has changed throughout its history. A further increase in the level of competition has resulted from the reduction of the number of teams to five in the year 2024. Each team is named after a province or city in Afghanistan, which is meant to symbolize the pride and enthusiasm that the locals have for the sport.
- International Players
The introduction of international players has provided an exciting new dimension to the competition, even though the tournament is largely centered on African cricket stars. It is noteworthy that players from nations like as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe have played in the league, which has further contributed to the league's popularity and prominence on a worldwide scale.
Final Thoughts
The Shpageeza Cricket League has grown into one of the most meaningful expressions of Afghanistan’s cricketing spirit, blending regional pride with a fast-paced T20 format that consistently delivers high-quality competition. Its journey since 2013 reflects how a domestic league can shape a nation’s cricketing identity, offering a structured pathway for emerging players while keeping established stars connected to the home audience. The centralized hosting in Kabul, the franchise model, and the draft-based team building have all contributed to a tournament that feels both grounded in local culture and aligned with modern cricket standards.
Across its seasons, the league has demonstrated resilience and ambition, adapting to changing conditions while maintaining a clear focus on developing talent and strengthening the domestic game. ICC recognition of the competition as an official T20 league has further validated its role in Afghanistan’s cricket ecosystem, ensuring that performances carry weight beyond the tournament itself. The mix of regional rivalries, evolving team identities and standout individual achievements has helped the league carve out a distinct place in the broader Asian cricket landscape.
As a whole, SCL represents more than a series of matches; it stands as a testament to how sport can unify communities, inspire young cricketers and sustain national passion even in challenging environments. Its compact format, strong fan engagement and consistent production quality have made it a reliable fixture for followers of Afghan cricket and a point of interest for fans across the subcontinent. The league’s story continues to evolve, but its core value remains unchanged: a vibrant, competitive and culturally significant tournament that showcases the best of Afghanistan’s cricketing potential.


