Key Ongoing & Upcoming Sports Updates of Afghanistan

Shpageeza Cricket League 2025

• The 10th edition of Afghanistan’s premier T20 league kicked off on July 19 at the Kabul International Stadium.

• Featuring five regional franchises: Amo Sharks, Band‑e‑Amir Dragons, Boost Defenders, Mis‑Ainak Knights, and Speenghar Tigers. Defending champions are the Amo Sharks.

Cricket: International Preparations

• A tri-nation T20I series involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the UAE is in the works for October 2025 in the UAE, as part of preparation for the Asia Cup .

• Separately, Afghanistan is slated to compete in the Asia Cup T20 in the UAE from September 9–28, 2025 .

Afghan Champions League (Football)

• In the 2024–25 Afghanistan Champions League, Abu Muslim FC claimed their first-ever title, ending the undefeated run of defending champs Attack Energy SC.

Other Highlights

• Ismail Kakar earned a silver medal in Kurash (a grappling sport) at an international competition in Paris representing Afghanistan.

• In mixed martial arts, Mujtaba Panjshiri scored a knockout victory in Pakistan during the ETF event in Lahore on July 12 .

⚽ Women’s Sports – In Exile

• The ICC has formally launched initiatives to support displaced Afghan women cricketers, many of whom now live and play in Australia under the name Afghan Women’s XI. They recently received development programs, funding, and elite coaching through a new task force involving the ICC and cricket boards from Australia, India, and England .

• These players had already held an exhibition match in Melbourne in January 2025. The ICC initiative now provides significant backing to help them return to international competition .

• Additionally, FIFA has approved the formation of an Afghanistan women’s refugee football team, initiating a one-year pilot to assess longer-term viability. This move marks a landmark step amid Taliban-era bans on women’s sport at home .

🧭 Summary Table