The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled plans for the Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup, a new addition to the domestic cricket calendar, scheduled to commence on April 16 in Kandahar province.
Featuring five regional teams — Mis-e-Ainak, Band-e-Amir, Speenghar, Amo, and Bost — the tournament will adopt a Twenty20 format, with a total of 21 matches to be played over 12 days. Teams will engage in a double round-robin format, facing each other twice before the top two contenders proceed to the Grand Finale on April 27.
Crafted to equip national players for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2024, the Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup will draw talent from various sources, including participants from the High-Performance Center (HPC) camp, domestic contracted players, and standout individuals from the ACB’s emerging and development programs.
Originally slated for a later slot in the 2024 season, the tournament was rescheduled to April to allow ample preparation time for the T20 World Cup. The decision to prioritize the National T20 Cup over the 9th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League was influenced by logistical constraints and the challenge of securing a production company.
Mohammad Nazeem Jaar Abdulrahimzai, ACB’s Domestic Cricket Manager, emphasized the tournament’s significance in team development and cricket advancement in Afghanistan.
“The Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup plays a pivotal role in integrating seasoned and emerging players, enhancing skill levels, and nurturing cricket’s growth in the region,” he stated. “This event is instrumental in readying the national team for the ICC competition, providing crucial match practice ahead of the international stage.”
With expectations of enriching Afghanistan’s domestic cricket landscape, the Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup aims to bolster the nation’s cricketing achievements. The ACB remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding cricket across Afghanistan, fostering emerging talent, and enhancing the country’s cricketing reputation.
