‘Game-changing approach’: ACB chief hails ILT20 management after 25 Afghan players earn contracts

NEW DELHI: Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive Naseeb Khan Zadran has heaped praise on the ILT20 management for its “game-changing approach” towards Afghanistan cricket after 25 Afghan players secured contracts across the league’s six franchises for Season 5.Zadran described the partnership between the ACB, Emirates Cricket Board and ILT20 as an “incredible start” and specifically credited ILT20 chairman Khalid Al Zarooni and league commissioner Mubashshir Usmani for helping create greater opportunities for Afghan cricketers.“Mr. Zarooni and Mr. Mubashshir’s vision for the growth of the game is truly inspirational, which is proven by the ILT20’s game-changing approach for both Associate Members and Full Members like Afghanistan,” Zadran said.The ACB has secured the participation of 25 Afghan players across the six franchise squads through its strategic alliance with the ECB. Under the agreement between the two boards, each franchise must include at least four Afghan players in its squad, while the Season 5 playing conditions require a minimum of two Afghan players in every playing XI.The provisions have created defined opportunities for Afghan cricketers at both squad and match level, with established internationals and emerging players set to feature in the UAE-based competition.The auction attracted strong interest in Afghan players, with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz among the leading signings. Zadran said the two had earned “record amounts of money” through the bidding.“The auction has raised the profile of Afghanistan cricket and players like never before. A total of 25 Afghanistan players have earned contracts with the DP World ILT20 franchises, with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz earning record amounts of money through their massive bidding amounts,” he said.Zadran also credited the partnership with the ILT20 and ECB for providing a professional pathway for Afghan players and helping expand the game in the country.“This opportunity for our players is a result of our incredible partnership with the DP World ILT20 and the Emirates Cricket Board,” he said. “We reached a strategic decision with them earlier this year with an aim of further expanding the game in Afghanistan through the ILT20/ECB’s support.”He also singled out Al Zarooni and Usmani for their role in implementing the partnership.“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman ILT20 Khalid Al Zarooni and League Commissioner Mubashshir Usmani, who were instrumental in the implementation and execution of this partnership,” Zadran said.Zadran added that the ACB was confident the partnership would continue to benefit Afghan cricket.“We are off to an incredible start in our partnership, and we have full confidence that this partnership will continue to support our players and inspire a new generation of Afghanistan stars,” he said.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.