Afghanistan Premier League creating a solid platform for youngsters

In order to strengthen the Twenty-20 format of the game, the recently launched Afghanistan Premier has been continuously been making a mark.

The first edition of the exciting Afghanistan Premier League is being played at the Sharjah stadium is an asset to the cricketing world globally, especially for the players and young talents in Afghanistan.

Giving the players tremendous exposure at a global level is one of the objectives of this league. This highly competitive league is being broadcast live on DSPORT a Premium Sports Channel of Discovery Communications for viewers in India.

The spirit of Afghanistan Premier League is represented not by bigger names like Chris Gayle, Andre Russell or Shahid Afridi but by uncapped players from the lowest economic strata making their way up the order.

APL is making cricket accessible to everyone providing players with a strong platform to make a mark on the game as well as their own path towards representing their nation. The league in itself connects all the province of Afghanistan, drawing in talent from the entire country under one roof. On the global pitch, APL is firmly establishing Afghanistan as the epicenter of cricketing power.

"Leagues like these should be played more often. This twenty over format has been developing rapidly over the past years that it has helped players develop and acquire a more aggressive sort of game plan which fits me personally," said Chris Gayle, Batsmen, Balkh Legends.

The highlight of this first edition by far has been Hazratullah Zazai's six sixes in an over that has set the tone for the league and highlighted the talent that this edition has. Out of the five teams, Mohammad Nabi's captained side Balkh Legends look to be the most impressive side with five wins in their six matches followed by Paktia Panthers lead by Mohammad Shahzad who has four victories in their six games played. Kandahar Knights seem to be out of the league as they could manage only one win in their last five matches.

Young Afghanistan players like Mujeeb Ur Rehman have been performing splendidly in this format of the game, with 12 wickets in his seven matches; Rehman has already won the hearts of many.

"I am really proud to see cricket growing manifold in my Afghanistan, We have also been performing well on the international level making people believe that Afghanistan has the talent to be the best in the world. Afghanistan Premier League is a beautiful initiative that is giving a chance to young talented players to step up and give their performance and be recognized," said Afghan Spin master, Rashid Khan.

The League has come towards the closing of group stage matches with the clash of the semi-finals not too far away; the road to the Finals will be even more interesting to witness.