Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the upcoming tri-nation T20 International series will proceed as scheduled despite Afghanistan’s decision to pull out. The series, set to be held in Lahore from November 17 to 29, originally featured Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
“The tri-series is still on and the third team will be finalised shortly,” a PCB spokesperson told Hindustan Times on Saturday afternoon.
In a statement, the PCB said it was in contact with other cricket boards to identify a replacement team. “The tri-series will take place as planned even after Afghanistan’s withdrawal. We are in discussions with other boards to finalise a team that can join Pakistan and Sri Lanka,” a PCB spokesperson said, as quoted by The Times of India.
The development comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following reported Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province that killed several Afghan nationals, including three cricketers. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) subsequently announced its decision to withdraw from the series, citing the prevailing circumstances.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging it to be prepared with a backup plan in case Afghanistan opted out. With the ACB now officially confirming its withdrawal, the PCB has begun the process of restructuring the event to ensure it goes ahead smoothly.
“The series holds importance for Pakistan’s cricket calendar, and we are committed to hosting it successfully,” the board added.
Replacement options and their status
In November, Australia, England, and South Africa will all be occupied with bilateral ties; hence, it’s confirmed that they will not take the place of Afghanistan, reported CrickiT by Hindustan Times. Australia and England are scheduled to play the Ashes from November 21. South Africa will travel to India for a multi-format series.