Afghanistan in United Arab Emirates 2023/24

The term Afghanistan in United Arab Emirates denotes a venue arrangement rather than a specific tournament. The Afghanistan Cricket Board utilises the United Arab Emirates as a neutral base for the national side. This decision stems from security considerations that prevent regular play within Afghanistan. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium serves as the primary home ground for these fixtures.

The most prominent competition linked to this setup is the Afghanistan Premier League. Launched in 2018, it is a franchise-based T20 league. Five teams representing different Afghan regions compete in the event. Because of the same security constraints, all editions are hosted in the United Arab Emirates. The Balkh Legends claimed the title in the inaugural season. The tournament has been suspended since its first edition and is scheduled to return in 2026.

Beyond the franchise league, the arrangement enables bilateral series. The Afghan team hosts matches against other international sides, such as Ireland and Pakistan, while listed as the home nation. Regional tournaments also take place here. The Asian Cricket Council has organised events like the ACC Men's Premier Cup at this venue. In these competitions, Afghanistan faces other Asian nations, including the United Arab Emirates national team.

This setup is distinct from the International League T20, which is the domestic league of the host country. The International League T20 began in 2023 and features six local franchises. While it includes Afghan players, it is a separate entity from the Afghan national team’s activities. The shared use of Sharjah allows the Afghanistan Cricket Board to maintain an active fixture list. It ensures that international cricket continues to reach fans in the region despite logistical challenges.