Ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming T20I tri-series, Zimbabwe has been confirmed as the replacement for Afghanistan, who withdrew after a tragic incident in their homeland. The tri-series, which also features Sri Lanka, will be held in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 17 to 29.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its withdrawal from the tournament after three local cricketers were killed in what is believed to be a cross-border attack in Urgun district of Paktika province. The ACB expressed its deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a great loss to the Afghan sporting community. According to the board, the players, identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon, were returning from a friendly match in Sharana when they were targeted.
“In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon) along with five other compatriots from Urgun district were tortured and seven others were injured. The players had earlier traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a rally,” the board said, quoted by The Indian Express.
“In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participation in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan to be played in late November,” the board announced its decision.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refrained from directly commenting on the sensitive issue, it confirmed that the series would proceed as planned with Zimbabwe stepping in to fill Afghanistan’s spot.
The series starts with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe on November 17 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by Sri Lanka versus Zimbabwe at the same venue on November 19. The remaining matches, including the final on November 29, will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Pakistan tri-series schedule
| Date | Agreement | Location |
|---|---|---|
| November 17 | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi cricket stadium, Rawalpindi |
| November 19 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi cricket stadium, Rawalpindi |
| November 22 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| November 23 | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| November 25 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| November 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| November 29 | Final | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
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