The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed on Friday (April 27) that its own franchise-based T20 Premier League will be played in the United Arab Emirates in October 2018.

The five-team T20 event will see as many as 40 international cricketers taking part in the competition. However, there will be no Indian players, as BCCI has refused to give NOC's to its players for any other T20 competition around the world.

However, ACB is trying to convince the Indian Cricket Board to allow it's non-contracted players to take part in their T20 tournament, which will be played between 5-23 October. 

ACB chairman Shukrullah Atif Mashal thanked the Afghanistan Government for its support and encouragement for the grand initiative in the country, as well as, is confident that the platform will give the opportunity to “shine and move away from negative influences”.

AS per reports in Cricbuzz, Mashal said, “Their presence will raise the quality of the league from the Shpageeza Cricket League that we organize at home. We are thankful to the overseas cricketers for helping Afghanistan cricket rise to the next level. We are grateful to our government for its support and encouragement. We believe we can provide our youth the platform to shine and move away from negative influences.”

Meanwhile, ACB CEO Shafiqullah Stanikzai said that the proposed T20 competition will certainly open the doors for the youngsters to showcase their talent across the globe.

He signed off by saying, “It has been a unifying tool, contributing to peace, development, and stability in the country. It will open the doors for youngsters inside the country and around the globe. The Board aims to make APL T20 to be among the world's top three leagues. We have the official approval of the ECB for the Afghan Premier League. Without such support, it would not be possible for the League to take off.”