England Stars Get Green Light for Afghanistan Premier League

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-01

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will issue No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for English cricketers to play in the new Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20 tournament. The five-team event kicks off on December 27, 2026, in the United Arab Emirates. It's a move that might raise a few eyebrows, given the ECB's firm stance against playing bilateral series with Afghanistan. ### Why the ECB Is Saying Yes Once the International Cricket Council (ICC) gives the official nod, the ECB will let individual players join the league. The board is drawing a clear line between franchise cricket and international matches. So, while the ECB continues to boycott two-nation series due to the Taliban's restrictions on women, it won't stand in the way of players heading to the APL. "We treat the APL like any other overseas franchise event," an ECB spokesperson explained. That means no special rules, no extra hurdles—just the standard NOC process. ### The Draft and the Big Names Organizers pushed the player draft from September 27 to October 24, 2026. And plenty of English talent has already signed up. Ollie Pope and Luke Wood, both on ECB central contracts for 2025-26, are among the first to throw their hats in the ring. But they're not alone. Moeen Ali, Jason Roy, Reece Topley, James Vince, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Laurie Evans are all in the draft pool. - 30 overseas players have confirmed their registration for the APL draft. - Other international entrants include Scotland's Brandon McMullen and Ireland's Jai Moondra. ### A Delicate Balancing Act The ECB's decision isn't without controversy. The board refuses to schedule bilateral series against Afghanistan because of the Taliban's ban on women playing cricket. Yet, it's allowing players to compete in a league run by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) alongside promoters Trans Group and ITW Universe. Two years ago, English players fought an ECB move to tighten NOC rules for summer leagues that clash with domestic fixtures. But this December window avoids any conflicts, making approval straightforward. ### The Bigger Picture England last faced Afghanistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Lahore, where Afghanistan won by eight runs to knock England out. Ahead of that match, 200 MPs signed a cross-party letter urging a boycott. Protesters gathered outside Lord's, and ECB head Richard Thompson called the oppression of women in Afghanistan "gender apartheid." He's pushing for a coordinated global response from cricket authorities, not just a one-nation boycott. For now, the ECB's policy leaves it up to each player to decide whether to play in the APL. It's a pragmatic approach that keeps English cricket connected to the global game while sticking to its principles. ### What This Means for Fans If you're a fan of English cricket, you'll get to see some of your favorite players in action this winter. The APL promises high-octane T20 cricket in the UAE, with long-term plans to eventually host matches at Kabul International Cricket Stadium. So, mark your calendars for December 27. It's going to be an interesting ride.