The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appears unfazed by Afghanistan’s withdrawal from the upcoming tri-national series with Sri Lanka. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) notably withdrew from the tournament in protest against Pakistan’s recent airstrikes which killed ten people, including three Afghan cricketers.
Pakistan violated the 48-hour ceasefire on Friday evening by launching new airstrikes on Afghan territory. The attacks killed several people, including three local cricketers. In response, the ACB condoled their deaths and announced that the team was withdrawing from the upcoming tri-nation series in Pakistan.
Rashid Khan condemns Pakistan’s attacks on Afghan civilians
Afghanistan T20I captain Rashid Khan has condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes, calling them “barbaric and immoral”. His teammates Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib also offered their sincere condolences over the death of three Afghan cricketers.
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The three series would have marked Afghanistan’s first multinational tournament on Pakistani soil. The two teams had previously faced each other in a tri-series in the United Arab Emirates ahead of the 2025 Asian Cup.
Afghanistan have not played any bilateral series against Pakistan since they were granted Test status. However, before ICC recognition, their A teams frequently toured Pakistan, where several Afghan players also trained. Pakistan had even allowed Afghan cricketers to participate in its domestic competitions.
Pakistan Cricket Board explores alternatives to fill Afghanistan’s place
According to news agency PTI, the board is studying alternatives to fill Afghanistan’s place in the next tri-series. Although associated countries like Nepal and the United Arab Emirates are being considered, the PCB’s preference is to include another test team. Sri Lanka will remain part of the tournament.
The report adds that all three series will go ahead as planned from November 17, with an announcement regarding the replacement team expected soon.
“The Tri-Series will progress as planned even after the withdrawal from Afghanistan. We are looking for a replacement team and once finalized, the announcement will be made. The Tri-Series includes a third team in Sri Lanka, so it will start on November 17,” a senior PCB official said.
Zimbabwe likely to replace Afghanistan in all three series in Pakistan
The Pakistan Cricket Board is yet to issue an official response following Afghanistan’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming tri-national series. It remains to be seen whether the event will continue as a bilateral competition between Pakistan and Sri Lanka or whether it will be postponed.
According to Geo News, Zimbabwe could replace Afghanistan in the series. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have persisted for some time. Authorities had to separate supporters of the two nations to avoid clashes during a tri-series in Sharjah.
Meanwhile, Pakistan are also scheduled to host Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series from November 11-15, which will provide an additional opportunity for preparation ahead of their 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka.
Australia, England and South Africa will have international commitments. Australia and England are set to play the Ashes, while South Africa will tour India for a multi-format series.
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