Speen Ghar Region
Boost Region
Mis Ainak Region
Band-e-Amir Region
Amo Region
Wikipedia - Shpageeza Cricket League
The Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL, also known as the Alokozay Cola Shpageeza Cricket League for sponsorship reasons and Etisalat Sixes T20) (Pashto: شپږیزه کرکټ لیګ) is a Twenty20 cricket tournament organized by the Afghanistan Cricket Board every year in Afghanistan. The Shpageeza tournament is established with eight franchises, including players from the national team, overseas, players from the ‘A’ team and players from the under 19 team as well as elite performers from the respective regions participating in this tournament. In addition, ACB has given the league an identity by franchising all team while players will be selected through a draft for each team.
The ultimate goal of this 12-day tournament is promoting cricket and sport in Afghanistan and establishing peace through sport. The tournament is broadcast live on Afghanistan's prominent channel 1TV using HD quality production standards, and the tournament is commercialized by franchising and marketing each team to a company/organization. Through the design and broadcast of this tournament, Afghans will have firsthand access to watch their national players in their home ground.
History
The League was established in 2013 titled as Shpageeza Cricket Tournament. Five regional teams participated in the event and it was a successful initiative by Afghanistan Cricket Board. The champion of the first league was Speenghar Tigers for the inaugural edition of the tournament. The matches were telecast by Shamshad TV. The second edition in 2014 was conducted with the same number of teams, representing five regions in the country. Mis-e-Ainak Knights won the title championship. Gulbadin Naib was named Man of the tournament; Noor Ali Zadran was the best batsman and Rokhan Barekzai was named the best bowler of this edition. The matches were telecast on 1TV. Starting from the 2017 season, the ICC granted List A status to the Twenty20 domestic competition (List A rather than Twenty20 status as Afghanistan did not have a domestic 50-over tournament). In May 2017 however, the ICC recognised Afghanistan's 50-over Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament by granting it List A status and matches in the 2017 Shpageeza cricket league are classified as Twenty20 status.
The tournament features six teams representing different regions of Afghanistan, namely Amo Sharks, Band-e-Amir Dragons, Boost Defenders, Kabul Eagles, Mis Ainak Knights, and Speen Ghar Tigers. Each team consists of a mix of local Afghan players and international stars, creating a diverse and competitive atmosphere.
The Shpageeza League is known for its fast-paced and thrilling matches, with players displaying their skills in all aspects of the game. From explosive batting to accurate bowling and agile fielding, the tournament offers a complete cricketing experience for both players and fans.
The league follows a round-robin format, where each team plays against each other in a series of matches. The top four teams then advance to the knockout stage, which includes semi-finals and a grand finale. The matches are played in various stadiums across Afghanistan, attracting large crowds of enthusiastic supporters.
The Shpageeza League not only provides a platform for local talent to showcase their skills but also serves as a breeding ground for future stars. Many players who have excelled in the tournament have gone on to represent the national team and make a mark on the international stage.
The tournament is not only about cricket but also serves as a celebration of Afghan culture and unity. It brings people from different regions together, fostering a sense of national pride and camaraderie. The vibrant atmosphere, colorful jerseys, and passionate fans create an electrifying ambiance that adds to the overall experience of the tournament.
Overall, the Shpageeza League is a thrilling and highly competitive cricket tournament that showcases the immense talent and love for the sport in Afghanistan. It serves as a platform for players to shine and for fans to come together and celebrate the spirit of cricket in their country.