The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appeared unhappy with Afghanistan’s withdrawal from the upcoming tri-series with Sri Lanka. Notably, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) pulled out of the tournament in protest against Pakistan’s recent air strikes that killed ten people, including three Afghan cricketers.
Pakistan violated the 48-hour ceasefire by carrying out fresh air strikes inside Afghan territory on Friday evening. Several people, including three local cricketers, were killed in the attacks. In response, the ACB condoled his death and announced that the team had withdrawn from the upcoming Tri-Nation series in Pakistan.
Rashid Khan condemns Pakistan’s attacks on Afghan civilians
Afghanistan T20 captain Rashid Khan condemned Pakistan’s air strikes, calling them “barbaric and immoral”. Teammates Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqui and Gulbadin Naib also expressed their heartfelt condolences on the death of the three Afghan cricketers.
The triangular series will be Afghanistan’s first multi-nation tournament on Pakistani soil. The two teams faced each other in a triangular series in the UAE ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
Afghanistan has not played any bilateral series against Pakistan since gaining Test status. However, before ICC recognition, their A teams frequently toured Pakistan, where many Afghan players also trained. Pakistan also allowed Afghan cricketers to participate in its domestic competitions.
Pakistan Cricket Board is looking for options to fill Afghanistan’s place.
According to news agency PTI, the board is exploring options to fill Afghanistan’s place in the upcoming triangular series. While associate nations like Nepal and UAE are being considered, the PCB’s priority is to include another Test-playing team. Sri Lanka will be a part of the tournament.
The report added that the tri-series will go ahead as scheduled from November 17, with an announcement regarding the replacement team expected to be made soon.
A senior PCB official said, “The tri-series will go ahead as scheduled even after Afghanistan’s withdrawal. We are considering a replacement team and an announcement will be made once it is finalised. There is a third team in Sri Lanka in the tri-series, so it will start from November 17.”
Zimbabwe likely to replace Afghanistan in tri-series in Pakistan
The Pakistan Cricket Board is yet to issue any official reaction following Afghanistan’s decision to pull out of the upcoming Tri-Nation series. It remains to be seen whether the event will continue as a bilateral competition between Pakistan and Sri Lanka or will be postponed.
According to Geo News, Zimbabwe can replace Afghanistan in the series. Tension has persisted between Pakistan and Afghanistan for some time. Authorities had to separate supporters from both countries to prevent clashes during the tri-series in Sharjah.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is also set to host Sri Lanka in a three-match T20 series from November 11 to 15, which will serve as an additional opportunity to prepare ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup to be played in India and Sri Lanka.
Australia, England and South Africa will have international commitments. Australia and England are set to compete in the Ashes, while South Africa will tour India for a multi-format series.
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