Shpageeza Cricket League (Afghanistan) 2026/27

The Shpageeza Cricket League serves as the premier domestic Twenty20 competition in Afghanistan, organized by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Founded in 2013, the tournament operates under a franchise model that distinguishes it from the country's traditional regional structures. The current edition features five franchises: Amo Sharks, Band-e-Amir Dragons, Boost Defenders, Mis Ainak Knights, and Speen Ghar Tigers. The season follows a double round-robin group stage, with the top two sides contesting a single-match final.

Amo Sharks hold the distinction of being the reigning champions, having secured victories in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons. They share the record for most titles with Speen Ghar Tigers, who also boast three wins. The league has seen expansion historically, adding a sixth team in 2015 and growing to eight franchises by 2022 before returning to its current five-team configuration. X-Bull Energy serves as the title sponsor, a role taken up in 2024, whilst Etisalat has maintained a long-term partnership.

Unlike other domestic competitions in the region, such as the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament, the Shpageeza Cricket League focuses on the Twenty20 format and includes international players. The 2017 edition gained List A status from the International Cricket Council. Teams are selected through drafts rather than geographic representation, and there is no formal promotion or relegation system within the league structure. The competition does not offer an official qualification pathway to international franchise leagues like the SA20 or CPL, although many players participate in both.