Kabul Premier League (KPL) – Afghanistan’s Premier T20 Cricket League
Table of Contents
The Kabul Premier League (KPL) is a burgeoning T20 cricket tournament in Afghanistan, showcasing local talent and promoting the sport's growth in the region. Launched to provide a competitive platform for Afghan cricketers, the KPL has quickly gained popularity among fans and players alike.
KPL 2024 Schedule
The second edition of the KPL took place from June 4 to June 14, 2024, featuring a series of exciting matches held at the Ayobi Sports Complex in Kabul. The tournament comprised 19 matches, including league fixtures and knockout rounds.
KPL Teams
Six teams competed in the KPL 2024
- Kabul Zalmi
- Band-e Amir Stars
- Speenghar Warriors
- Kabul Knight Riders
- Shaheen Hunters
- Shamshad Eagles
Each team featured a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, contributing to a highly competitive tournament.
Points Table
The final standings of the KPL 2024 league stage were as follows:
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kabul Zalmi | 5 | 4 | 1 | 8 | +2.043 |
| 2 | Band-e Amir Stars | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 | +0.744 |
| 3 | Speenghar Warriors | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 | +0.065 |
| 4 | Kabul Knight Riders | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -0.032 |
| 5 | Shaheen Hunters | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -0.270 |
| 6 | Shamshad Eagles | 5 | 1 | 4 | 2 | -2.710 |
Live Streaming and Broadcast
Fans could watch the KPL 2024 matches through the following channels:
- Ariana Television Network (ATN): Official broadcaster in Afghanistan.
- FanCode App and Website: Provided live streaming services for international viewers.
History
The KPL was established to nurture cricketing talent within Afghanistan and provide a structured platform for competition. The inaugural season featured five teams and set the foundation for subsequent editions. The 2024 season marked the league's second iteration, expanding to six teams and increasing its reach among cricket enthusiasts.
Records and Statistics
Top Run-Scorers
| Player | Team | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hassan Eisakhil | Speenghar Warriors | 388 | 55.42 |
| Afsar Zazai | Band-e Amir Stars | 316 | 45.14 |
| Yousuf Shah | Kabul Knight Riders | 260 | 43.33 |
Top Wicket-Takers
| Player | Team | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar | Kabul Zalmi | 12 | 13.33 |
| Nijat Masood | Band-e Amir Stars | 12 | 17.08 |
| Faridoon Dawoodzai | Band-e Amir Stars | 11 | 18.81 |
2024 Season Winner
Kabul Zalmi emerged as the champions of the KPL 2024, showcasing consistent performance throughout the tournament and clinching the title in a thrilling final match.
Conclusion
The Kabul Premier League continues to play a pivotal role in developing cricket in Afghanistan, providing a platform for local talent to shine and gain recognition. With increasing popularity and competitive matches, the KPL is poised to become a significant fixture in the cricketing calendar.