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PCB speaks out on Afghanistan's tri-series withdrawal in Pakistan after tragic deaths

Rajgeeta Yadav

PCB makes blunt take on Tri-series [Source: AFP]PCB makes blunt take on Tri-series [Source: AFP]

After Afghanistan officially pulled out from the upcoming tri-series that was scheduled to take place in Lahore from November 17 to 29. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made their stance clear and said that the tournament will still go ahead as planned.

PCB official confirms Tri-series will go ahead

Notably, a senior PCB official confirmed that Pakistan is talking to other countries to replace Afghanistan in the series, which also includes Sri Lanka.

 “The Tri-Series will progress as scheduled even after Afghanistan's withdrawal. We are looking at a replacement team and once finalised, the announcement will be made. The Tri-Series features a third team in Sri Lanka so it is on from 17th November,” he said.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) pulled out of the event after claiming that three Afghan cricketers were killed during Pakistan airstrikes in the Paktika province. This tragic incident has further strained relations between the two neighbouring countries.

Afghanistan and Pakistan haven’t played a bilateral series since Afghanistan became a Test-playing nation. However, in the past, Afghan players used to train and play in Pakistan’s domestic tournaments.

Sources say the PCB is considering teams like Nepal or the UAE as possible replacements but would prefer a Test-playing nation to join instead.

Before the tri-series, Pakistan are also set to host Sri Lanka for a three-match T20 series from November 11 to 15.

Relations between the two cricket boards have been tense for some time. During an earlier tri-series in Sharjah, Pakistan and Afghan fans had to be seated in separate stands to prevent clashes. Interestingly, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had already written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) earlier, asking them to prepare a backup plan in case Afghanistan pulled out due to border tensions.

After the reported airstrikes, Afghan cricketers such as Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, and Fazalhaq Farooqi publicly condemned the attack on social media.