Merwais Nika Regional 3-Day Trophy (Afghanistan) 2026/27

The Merwais Nika Regional 3-Day Trophy operates as a developmental circuit for domestic first-class cricket in Afghanistan. Organised by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the competition provides a structured environment for emerging players to gain experience before moving up to the premier Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament. The event traces its origins to the 2018–19 season when it launched as the Mirwais Nika Provincial 3-Day Tournament, initially featuring provincial sides. A significant restructuring in 2022 shifted the focus to a regional model, bringing together five distinct teams: Amo Region, Band-e-Amir Region, Boost Region, Mis Ainak Region, and Speen Ghar Region. This format honours Mirwais Hotak, the founder of the Hotak Empire in Kandahar, embedding historical significance within the modern sporting structure.

The tournament employs a round-robin league system where each of the five regional teams faces every other side once. Matches are contested over three days, offering a condensed format compared to the four-day duration of the top-tier Ahmad Shah Abdali competition. Unlike the higher division, which utilises franchise-style squads comprising senior domestic stars and national team players, the Merwais Nika Trophy prioritises regional representation and player development. There is no formal promotion or relegation mechanism linking the two competitions; instead, the Merwais Nika Trophy functions as an identification pathway, allowing selectors to spot talent for inclusion in the Ahmad Shah Abdali teams. Past winners include Band-e-Amir Region, Mis Ainak Region, and Boost Region, reflecting a competitive balance among the participating entities. The competition remains focused on nurturing the next generation of Afghan cricketers through consistent, high-level three-day fixtures.