Last Updated:
As per reports, it is believed that Pakistan conducted airstrikes, which have halted the ceasefire between the two countries as well.
Pakistan will now host Zimbabwe instead of Afghanistan (Picture credit: AFP)
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that Zimbabwe will replace Afghanistan in the tri-series, also featuring Sri Lanka, in November, after the latter withdrew following an airstrike by Pakistan in the Paktika province, which killed three cricketers, sparking widespread rage.
As per reports, it is believed that Pakistan conducted airstrikes, which have halted the ceasefire between the two countries as well.
The series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka was scheduled to be played between November 17-29.
“Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November,” the PCB said in a statement.
“The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka,” the statement added.
In a statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed deep sorrow over the ‘tragic martyrdom’ of players Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon. The trio, along with five others from Urgun District in Paktika Province, lost their lives after being attacked on their way back from a friendly game in Sharana, the provincial capital.
Multiple others were injured in the incident. “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 board said in a statement.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board said that its decision to pull out of the series was taken as a gesture of respect to the victims.
“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,” the board said.
Pakistan will take on Zimbabwe in the first match of the tri-series on November 17 in Rawalpindi.
October 18, 2025, 20:39 IST
Read More
