Alokhel Cricket Stadium’s construction to begin soon

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) members have discussed organizing the second edition of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), planning and constructing Alokhel Cricket Stadium in Kabul and Najib Tarakai Stadium in Nangarhar, as well as ways to further enhance cricket activities and coordination.

In a statement, the ACB said its members held a special meeting, chaired by Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, on Monday.

It said the venue for the second edition of APL had not yet been finalised. Based on the majority vote of the board members — considering all relevant facilities, human resources, stadium standards and other logistical factors — the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was selected as the host country. After consultation with commercial partners, the second edition matches will be held on the designated dates.

The statement added that the board members approved the initiation of construction work on Alokhel Cricket Stadium following the completion of its design and planning phase. The work had previously been halted due to a legal dispute over the land, which has now been resolved.

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf said: “I am pleased that we are now close to launching the second edition of the APL. In addition, I am very happy to announce that the legal issues regarding the Alokhel land have been resolved, and all clearances have been obtained from the concerned authorities. We sincerely thank all officials who cooperated with us comprehensively in this regard.”

He added: “Currently, our T20 League and international home series are being held abroad, but once the Alokhel Stadium is completed, we will, Inshallah, host APL and international matches right here in our own international-standard stadium in the Alokhel area of Kabul.”

The meeting also discussed ACB’s upcoming Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030) and constitution, which were reviewed, amended, and submitted to the board members for approval following the completion of the relevant procedures.

Moreover, the meeting featured deliberations on technical cricket aspects, development plans, and ways to enhance coordination, meetings, activities, and achievements between the ACB management and board members — all of which were mutually agreed upon.

According to the ACB, the board makes all major decisions, implements strategies, and carries out relevant projects in consultation with its members, ensuring that each step is taken in a coordinated and practical manner.

kk/ma