PCB reacts to Afghanistan’s decision to withdraw from upcoming T20I Tri-series post cross-border tension

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the three-nation tri-series for the shortest format will go on as scheduled from November 17 to 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, despite the decision of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to withdraw from the series. The PCB is currently in talks with other boards to find a replacement for the series.

Afghanistan decided to pull out of the tournament following their claim that the three cricketers died in Pakistan’s army attack in Paktika province. PCB is trying to find either Zimbabwe or one of the associate nations, like Nepal or the UAE, as the potential replacements for the tri-series.

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“The tri-series will progress as scheduled even after Afghanistan’s withdrawal. We are looking at a replacement team, and once finalized, the announcement will be made. The tri-series features a third team in Sri Lanka, so it’s on from 17th November.” The senior official of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed, as quoted by the Times of India (TOI).

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Neither Afghanistan nor Pakistan has featured in a bilateral series against each other since the former gained Test status, although their A-side has toured that part of the world in the past. The relationship between the two cricketing boards has been strained recently. During a tri-series in Sharjah before the Asia Cup, including the Asia Cup, their spectators were seated in separate enclosures to prevent potential conflicts.

In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in late November. The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province.” The ACB revealed in a statement on the tri-series.

Pakistan is currently playing their two-match Test series at home against South Africa before shifting their focus to the white-ball formats. The next challenge will be the tri-series.