INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The exciting Kabul Premier League (KPL) Season 2 Players Draft took place in the city on Tuesday morning much to the excitement of the
country&s cricket fans.The gala event, which brought together Afghanistan&s cricket fraternity, was broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana
Television Network, which secured the rights earlier this year to produce and broadcast this year&s tournament.Addressing the event on
Tuesday, Mujeeburahman Baheer, the head of Ariana News, pointed out that Ariana Television Network (ATN), including Ariana News, is
committed to making sure people in Afghanistan have access to world-class sporting events.He said: &Ariana TV has always tried to bring
sports to people&s homes.&This year&s T20 league extravaganza & which is a great source of hope for young cricketers in the country & will
take place in Kabul at the Ayoubi Sports Complex and will start on June 4.Also addressing Tuesday&s event was Nazeem Jar Abdulrahimzai, the
domestic cricket manager for the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).He said he believes that Ayoubi Sports Complex can organize an even better
league event this year compared to last year&s event.He also thanked all those who have invested time and money into developing and
supporting cricket in the country.Abdul Latif Ayoubi, head of Ayoubi Sports Complex, meanwhile said challenges faced last year had been
smoothed out and that conditions have since improved for this year&s tournament.Ayoubi also announced the addition of another team this
year.Last year there were five teams, this year there will be six
He said this decision was taken so as to provide more players with the opportunity to take part in the league.Seyyed Khan, the head of the
Ayoubi Sports Complex, also addressed guests at the event and said: &This year, a lot of effort has been made to be able to present an
improved league that meets the standards; the shortcomings last year regarding the field and other areas have been addressed.&Kabul Premier
League (KPL)Last year&s tournament was the first KPL and included five teams; these were Ayoubi Kabul Zalmi, Band-e-Amir Stars, Shaheen
Hunters, Shamshad Eagles and Speenghar Warriors.This year, Kabul Knight Riders have been added to the mix.The trophy was lifted last year by
Shaheen Hunters.The Kabul Premier League aims to not only promote cricket in the country but also serves as a platform for emerging talent
to showcase their skills.Kabul Premier League (KPL) Players Draft CeremonyTuesday&s Player Draft was divided into three groups
Band-e-Amir Stars picked up the first player.The list of players drafted are as follows:Band-e-Amir Stars1
Sharafuddin Ashraf (all-rounder)
7
Fridon Khan (fast bowler)
10
Aqdam Khan ShirzadShaheen Hunters1
Hijaz Ahmadzai (batsman)
2
Zahid Afghan (fast bowler)
7
Mohammadullah Hamkar (fast bowler)
8
Seyed Khan Niazi (fast bowler)
12
Ata Zarmal (wicket keeper)
13
Ruhollah ArabShamshad Eagles1
Shahidullah Kamal, (batsman)
2
Numan Shah, (all-rounder)
4
Bashir Ahmad (fast bowler)
6
Abdallah Tarakhel (all-rounder)
8
Juma GulKabul Knight Riders1
Mohammad Riaz (all-rounder)
6
Salam KakerAyoubi Kabul Zalmi1
Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar
3
Zia ul-Rahman Sharifi (bowler)
4
Sohail Khan Zarmati (batsman)
6
Sami Bilal (fast bowler)
7
Ibrahim Abdul Rahimzai (fast bowler)
9
Zafar AlozaiSpeenghar Warriors1
Samiullah Shinwari (batsman)
2
Noorullah AyubiOnce the draft wrapped up, the highly-sought after KPL trophy was displayed.For cricket fans across the country, ATN will
broadcast KPL matches live and exclusively from early next month.For breaking news and updates, fans can stay tuned to Ariana Television and
Ariana News& websites and social media platforms, where all KPL news will be posted.The post Six KPL cricket teams snap up 15 players each
in this year&s draft first appeared on Ariana News.
