![APL 2026 Captains. [Source - theaplt20/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793001309273_APL2026Captains.jpg?type=hq)
APL 2026 Captains. [Source - theaplt20/X]
The Afghanistan Premier League (APL 2026) is set to return in December, bringing five franchises together for another season of T20 cricket. With preparations underway, teams have started building their leadership groups ahead of the tournament.
The five teams in the Afghanistan Premier League 2026 have their captains in place. Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran will lead their respective franchises in the upcoming season.
Rashid Khan To Lead Kandahar Warriors As APL Announces All Captains
| Team | Captain |
|---|---|
| Kandahar Warriors | Rashid Khan |
| Akcel United Kabul | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Nangarhar | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| Paktia | Rahmat Shah |
| Balkh | Ibrahim Zadran |
Rashid Khan will lead Kandahar Warriors, while Azmatullah Omarzai has been named captain of Akcel United Kabul. Both players have represented Afghanistan at the highest level and bring valuable T20 experience to their respective teams.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz will captain Team Nangarhar, while Rahmat Shah will lead Team Paktia. Gurbaz brings an attacking approach to the top order, while Shah offers valuable international experience and leadership to his franchise.
Ibrahim Zadran will lead Team Balkh in the Afghanistan Premier League 2026. The opening batter will look to guide his side through the tournament, with the upcoming players’ draft set to play a key role in building a competitive squad.
Afghanistan Premier League 2026: Full List Of Head Coaches And Mentors
| Team | Head Coach | Mentor |
|---|---|---|
| Kandahar Warriors | Ravi Bopara | Irfan Pathan |
| Akcel United Kabul | Shane McDermott | Nikhil Chopra |
| Nangarhar | Toby Radford | Mark Boucher |
| Paktia | Azhar Mahmood | Waqar Younis |
| Balkh | Mickey Arthur | Tillakaratne Dilshan |
The five franchises of the Afghanistan Premier League have also appointed their head coaches for the upcoming season. Former England all-rounder Ravi Bopara will coach Kandahar Warriors, while Shane McDermott will coach Akcel United Kabul.
Toby Radford will take charge of Nangarhar, with Azhar Mahmood appointed head coach of Paktia. Meanwhile, renowned coach Mickey Arthur will guide Balkh as the five teams prepare for the upcoming Afghanistan Premier League 2026.
The franchises have also named their mentors, with Irfan Pathan joining Kandahar Warriors, Nikhil Chopra taking charge of Akcel United Kabul, Mark Boucher guiding Nangarhar, Waqar Younis mentoring Paktia and Tillakaratne Dilshan supporting Balkh.
Afghanistan Premier League 2026: Players' Draft And Tournament Details
The Afghanistan Premier League 2026 players' draft is scheduled for November 3 in the UAE. The five franchises will look to build balanced squads around their captains and coaching staff ahead of the tournament.
The tournament is set to begin on December 27 in the UAE, marking the return of the Afghanistan Premier League after its inaugural edition in 2018. Fans will now await the final squads and the start of the competition.
.jpg)
.jpg?type=mq "Mustafizur Rahman set for maiden BBL stint")
