The upcoming season will feature seven teams, with two new entrants Gulf Gladiators and Pakistan Panthersjoining the roster. Officials said the expansion reflects the league’s growing reach and the rising interest in showcasing retired Asian cricket stars in a competitive format.
The league will also adopt the Impact Player rule, a feature inspired by the Indian Premier League (IPL). The move aims to add tactical depth and offer teams greater flexibility during matches. Former India player and Technical Committee Director Madan Lal said the rule would help maintain the league’s “energy, balance, and quality,” especially with seasoned international players taking part.
Sandeep Patil, Cricket Operations Director, said the addition of Gulf Gladiators and Pakistan Panthers will enhance competition. Gulf Gladiators will comprise players from Gulf and Associate Nations, while Pakistan Panthers will represent former Pakistani international stars.
League Commissioner Akash Chopra described the tournament as a “celebration of Asian cricket’s heritage,” noting that the presence of legendary players could inspire the next generation. “Season 2 acts as a bridge between cricket’s past and future,” he said.
Under the revised format, each franchise will play six league-stage matches in a round-robin structure. The tournament will span 14 days and feature a total of 25 matches, leading into the knockout phase.
Organisers said match schedules and venue details will be released soon, with expectations that fan engagement will surpass the inaugural edition.
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