Shpageeza Cricket League ( or Afghanistan Premier League) is ready to be launched by Afghanistan Cricket Board and on the other hand, they have signed Radio Television of Afghanistan are now the new principal partners of the grand event, even though Snixer Sports, the previous commercial partner for the APL, is already fighting a lawsuit against the ACB over the postponing of the 2019 edition of the league at an arbitration court in London.
A lawsuit of USD 5 million was filled by Snixer Sports against the ACB after the cricket board had terminated their agreement prematurely citing concerns about the integrity of people associated with Snixer Sports.
The T20 league’s future was put in jeopardy after the 2019 edition of the competition was postponed thanks to funding problems and ACB accused their partners of getting not paid their due of rights money from the primary season while accusing them of “possessing a severe risk to the integrity of the league.”
However, it was reported and claimed by Sixer Sports that they cleared the market payments in 60 days of the commencement of the league and that too 100% which proves that they did not violate any terms or conditions, They also faced a loss of 3 million USD within the start of the season.
To sustain the league, the promoters will be spending 2 million every season which makes it 10 million USD in terms of entire league cost per season.
According to an official of Snixer Sports who spoke to the dawn told that Snixer has made the 100% payment within 60 days of the league as they also faced a loss 3 million USD.
ACB signs with Radio Television of Afghanistan
Despite the lawsuit, ACB has now decided to travel ahead with Radio Television of Afghanistan because the principal organizer of the league for the amount – 2021 to 2030.
According to Cricbuzz a top ACB official still seeks a decision from the arbitrator in their favour.
As Snixer were not ready to make the payment we terminated their contract as they breached the guidelines and thus we are confident that the result will be in our favour.
We are confident that RTA is going to be ready to achieve the show (APL) successfully,” he said.
On Wednesday ACB nad RTA signed the Memorandum of Understanding in Kabul. Being the strategic partner for 10 years ACB have chosen RTA according to MoU. For the same period, RTA is also declared as the principal organizer.
APL T20 is going to be an enormous success and it’ll provide them (Afghan future generation cricketers) with yet one more opportunity to shine,” ACB Chairman Mr Farhan Yusefzai said.