Zimbabwe will take Afghanistan’s place in the upcoming T20I tri-series in Pakistan, which will now feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The series runs from November 17 to 29, with matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The change comes after Afghanistan pulled out following a heartbreaking tragedy in which three domestic cricketers Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon were killed in what officials described as a cross-border attack in Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said the players were returning from a friendly match when the attack occurred.
“In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon) along with five other compatriots from Urgun district were killed and seven others were injured,” the ACB said in a statement.
“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.”
Out of respect, the ACB announced its withdrawal from the series. “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,” the report said.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the tournament will go ahead as planned, with Zimbabwe acting as the replacement team. The series starts on November 17 with Pakistan versus Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The matches will be split between Rawalpindi and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the final scheduled for November 29 in Lahore.
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