ACB Tightens Grip: Afghan Stars Limited to 3 T20 Leagues Per Year, Rashid Khan Faces Major Financial Hit

In a landmark move aimed at prioritizing national duties and player longevity, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has approved a stringent new policy during its Annual General Meeting in Kabul on January 14, 2026. Under the new regulations, contracted Afghan players will be permitted to participate in a maximum of three international T20 leagues per year, in addition to the mandatory domestic Afghanistan Premier League (APL). This decision is set to shake the global franchise ecosystem, particularly impacting high-demand stars like Rashid Khan.

Strict New Policy: Priority for Workload and National Fitness

The ACB’s leadership, including Chairman Mirwais Ashraf and CEO Naseeb Khan, introduced this measure to curb the growing physical and mental “burnout” among players. For years, Afghan cricketers have been “freelancing” in nearly every major T20 circuit, from the IPL to the Big Bash, often leading to recurring injuries during international tours.

The board’s official statement clarified:

“To protect player fitness and mental well-being, the board approved a new policy regarding foreign leagues. Players will now be permitted to participate in the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), plus only three other international leagues per ye1ar. This measure aims to manage workload and ensure peak performance for national dutie2s.”

Rashid Khan’s ₹30 Crore Empire Under Pressure

The biggest financial casualty of this rule is undoubtedly Rashid Khan. As a global icon, Rashid currently captains MI Cape Town (SA20) and is a cornerstone for Gujarat Titans (IPL), MI New York (MLC), MI Emirates (ILT20), and Trent Rockets (The Hundred).

With a total estimated annual income of ₹25 to ₹30 Crore from franchises alone, the limit of three leagues forces Rashid to make difficult choices. If he prioritizes the IPL and two other high-paying leagues, he may have to forgo lucrative contracts in the UAE or USA, potentially leading to a direct loss of ₹5 to ₹8 Crore annually.

Mujeeb, Nabi, and the Next Gen: Broad Impact on Global Franchises

The policy isn’t just about Rashid. Other Afghan mainstays like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and the rising star AM Ghazanfar are also under the scanner.

• Domestic Compulsion: All top players must now be available for the rebooted 5-team Afghanistan Premier League, scheduled for October 2026 in the UAE.
• IPL Priority: Most insiders believe players will keep the IPL as their top choice, leaving only two slots for other global leagues like the PSL, BBL, or MLC.
• Loss for Franchises: Sister teams in global networks (like the Mumbai Indians or Chennai Super Kings groups) may no longer be able to field their Afghan stars across every affiliate league.

Why Now? Preparing for T20 World Cup 2026

The timing of this decision is critical. Afghanistan is gearing up for a 3-match T20I series against the West Indies in January 2026, followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The ACB is determined to ensure that their “spin wizards” and “power hitters” are in prime condition to repeat or better their historic 2024 semi-final run.

By centralizing control, the ACB follows the footsteps of the PCB (which allows 2 foreign leagues) and the BCCI (which allows zero). The board aims to foster domestic growth by ensuring stars participate in local cricket, providing a learning platform for young Afghan talent.

Conclusion: A New Era of Player Management

While fans and franchises might be worried about the reduced visibility of Afghan stars, the ACB is betting on the long-term health of its national team. Whether this leads to a friction-free transition or a conflict between player earnings and national pride remains to be seen. For now, the world must prepare for a future where seeing Rashid Khan in every T20 jersey is a thing of the past.

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