The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has struck a deal with embattled country’s leading television station Afghanistan 1 channel for the broadcasting rights of Shpageeza Cricket League 2017 which has become a great fascination for the Afghan youngsters, who are eyeing to make a career out of gentleman’s game.
The latest signing also includes the internet streaming, as the delegation from both the parties met in Kabul prior to the start of fifth edition of Twenty20 league.
Following the exclusively deal which was signed between the chief of ACB and 1Tv founder Mohammad Fahim Hashimi, who further expressed vowed to work in tandem and promote the cricket in a war-torn country.
Pertinently, in the first attempt, the tournament was scheduled to begin from 18 July up to 28th July following formal announcement from ACB’s CEO Shafiq Stanikzai.
The decision was made while coordinating with different franchises of the SPL.
However the sole reason for the delay was considered ‘advertisement’ after SPL franchises owners request for the more time to complete their preparations regarding the tournament.
In May, the auction was organized in which the local companies also participated to bid for a team.
The tournament is 15-day long and will be beginning in 20 days which would further witness the dignitaries at the opening ceremony at Kabul International ceremony.
However, the six-team tournament which has been organized and funded by the ACB is scheduled from next month (September) as Kabul stadium will host the inaugural game and eventually the grand-finale of the tournament.
The idea of Shpageeza Cricket League was floated in 2013 after measuring the success of different professional global leagues like widely acclaimed Indian Premier League (IPL) which started off in 2008.
Interestingly, since the T20 competition expanded its market as 1TV has been its long-established partner in the broadcast rights.
In 2015, 1 Television signed a three-year agreement with ACB in a bid to reach the wider spectrum owing to the craze for the cricket in first instance.
Coming to the conclusion, the teams include Mis Ainak Knights, Boost Defenders, AMO Sharks, Band-e-Dragons, Kabul Eagles and Speen Ghar Tigers.