Akbar Khan second-tier provincial tournament concludes nationwide as top teams advance to Afghanistan’s first-tier competitions.
Kabul | By Sara Amiri
The 17th edition of the Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan Second-Tier Provincial Cricket Tournament concluded on Tuesday, with eight teams earning promotion to Afghanistan’s first-tier provincial competitions, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said.
Held under the ACB’s domestic calendar, the tournament featured 40 provincial teams competing in eight groups across seven venues in Kandahar, Khost, Nangarhar and Kunar. Each team played four group matches, with group leaders progressing to the next level based on points and net run rate.
Nangarhar, Nangarhar B, Kabul A, Logar, Paktika, Khost, Khost B and Kandahar A secured qualification following competitive group-stage performances.
The tournament also brought several emerging players into focus. Badakhshan batter Farid Zadran topped the run charts with 335 runs, while Herat spinner Mohammad Ali led the bowling standings with 13 wickets, highlighting strong provincial depth.
All matches were staged with full logistical and technical support, including match officials, medical staff, fitness trainers, scorers and team managers. Players were provided with transport, accommodation and covered travel to and from host provinces.
Fixtures and individual performances were recorded through the CricHeroes platform, allowing real-time statistical tracking and performance-based evaluation.
The Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan Second-Tier Provincial Tournament serves as the entry point into Afghanistan’s official domestic cricket structure. Players progress from club cricket to second-tier provincials before advancing to first-tier competitions that feed into national T20, List A, three-day and first-class tournaments.
The eight qualified teams will compete in the first-tier provincial competitions scheduled for early 2026, which will be played in both T20 and 50-over formats.