Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament 2026 Schedule Confirmed: Teams, Dates, and Venues
The schedule for the ninth edition of Afghanistan’s premier domestic red-ball competition, the Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament, has been announced. The 2026 tournament will run from August 29 through October 8, spanning 41 days of first-class cricket across two provinces.
What Happened
The Afghanistan Cricket Board Media confirmed the itinerary for the upcoming ninth edition of the Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament. A total of 13 matches will be contested throughout the 41-day event. Four domestic squads—defending champions Maiwand Champions, Mahipar Stars, Hindukush Strikers, and Pamir Legends—will compete for the championship.
The tournament utilizes a double round-robin format, ensuring that every participating side faces each opponent twice during the group stage. The fixtures will be hosted across venues in Khost and Nangarhar provinces. The competition begins on August 29 with an opening match between titleholders Maiwand Champions and Mahipar Stars at the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Cricket Ground in Nangarhar.
Key Highlights
- Tournament Dates: Scheduled to commence on August 29, 2026, and officially conclude on October 8, 2026.
- Total Fixtures: 13 matches spread over a 41-day period.
- Participating Teams: Maiwand Champions, Mahipar Stars, Hindukush Strikers, and Pamir Legends.
- Defending Champions: Maiwand Champions, who secured the title during the eighth edition held in 2025.
- Tournament Format: Double round-robin group phase followed by a final between the top two teams.
- Host Provinces: Khost and Nangarhar, with the opener staged at Ghazi Amanullah Khan Cricket Ground.
- The Final: Scheduled to start on October 4, with the tournament closing on October 8.
Why This Matters
The Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament represents Afghanistan’s primary domestic multi-day competition. According to tournament details, spreading the matches across Khost and Nangarhar offers a regional platform for domestic players to gain red-ball exposure. The format ensures that each team plays every rival twice, requiring sustained consistency across rounds to earn a spot in the final, while offering key competitive preparation ahead of international fixtures.
What to Watch Next
The competition begins on August 29 with the opener featuring Maiwand Champions against Mahipar Stars. The two highest-ranked sides at the conclusion of the group phase will advance to the final, which is scheduled to begin on October 4 and conclude by October 8. The specific venue for the final is subject to final confirmation by the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament take place?
The competition begins on August 29, 2026, and runs through October 8, 2026.
Which teams are participating in the ninth edition?
The four teams competing are Maiwand Champions, Mahipar Stars, Hindukush Strikers, and Pamir Legends.
Where will the matches be played?
All group matches and knockout stages will take place across Khost and Nangarhar provinces, with the opening fixture taking place at the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Cricket Ground in Nangarhar.
Who won the previous edition of the tournament?
Maiwand Champions won the eighth edition of the competition in 2025.
Source: Information provided via Afghanistan Cricket Board Media and CricTracker.