As Afghanistan continue to make waves in international cricket, the impact of franchise leagues like the International League T20 (ILT20) on the team’s growth has become increasingly evident. The ongoing ICC Champions Trophy has seen several Afghan players, including Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, carrying their ILT20 experience into the global tournament, underlining the league’s role in their development.
Afghanistan’s remarkable rise reached a new high with a thrilling eight-run victory over England, knocking them out of contention. Reflecting on the team’s progress, ace all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who played for ILT20 Season 3 champions Dubai Capitals, credited the league for providing valuable exposure.
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“This (ILT20) is a huge platform for Afghan players. When you look at players like Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi, they’ve played in leagues like this and brought in new ideas that weren’t part of our team before. We changed so much in the dressing room, whether it was the atmosphere, our approach, or fitness. The ILT20 is that kind of platform for us. We have at least eight to ten Afghanistan players playing in top leagues of the world, and that has hugely benefited us,” Naib shared after the conclusion of ILT20 Season 3.
Naib was instrumental in Dubai Capitals’ victorious campaign, scoring 381 runs and claiming 11 wickets. He emphasised how playing alongside cricketing greats, such as Australia’s David Warner, further refined his game. “I’ve really enjoyed sharing the dressing room with big players like David Warner. He has over 13,000 runs and eight T20 centuries. Whether you’re on the pitch, the team bus, or at the crease with them, there’s so much to learn.”

The ILT20’s third season concluded just days before the Champions Trophy, providing a crucial preparatory platform for players like Naib, who carried his momentum into the prestigious ICC event in Pakistan and Dubai. “The ILT20 was also a great platform for me to prepare for the Champions Trophy,” he added.
Afghanistan’s success story in international cricket is a testament to the country’s passion for the sport, something Naib believes is fueled by their dedicated fan base. “The biggest positive for us has been the fans and their support. Cricket is a passion at home, and both the fans and the government back us immensely. Even when we lose, they encourage us and send so many positive messages. When we weren’t playing against big teams, they always pushed us to improve. That’s been our biggest motivation.”
With Afghanistan eyeing a potential semi-final berth, they could face India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a venue well-known to their players. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who played for ILT20 Season 3 runners-up Desert Vipers, expressed his excitement about playing in familiar conditions. “Dubai feels like home to me, and I always enjoy playing here. Looking forward to playing more cricket here. It always feels amazing to be an international player and represent my country. I’ve played for all three seasons of the ILT20 and am familiar with the conditions here.”
The league has also served as a platform for standout performances, with Fazalhaq Farooqi emerging as ILT20’s best bowler, claiming the White Belt with 21 wickets in 11 matches. His five-wicket haul for 16 runs in the season opener set a new record for the tournament’s best-ever bowling figures.
As Afghanistan progress in the Champions Trophy, the influence of ILT20 on their players’ confidence, skills, and adaptability is undeniable. The exposure to high-quality competition and top international cricketers has significantly contributed to their journey as they aim to establish themselves among cricket’s elite.