- By Vishal Pushkar
- Sun, 19 Oct 2025 08:31 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Afghanistan vs Pakistan Tensions: After Afghanistan's withdrawal from the tri-series due to Pakistan's air strike, Zimbabwe will replace them in the three-nation T20I tournament, which is scheduled to take place from November 17 to 29, as per a release from the PCB stated on Saturday. It was a chaotic day for international Cricket, with Afghanistan announcing their withdrawal from the tri-series, citing the tragic death of three of its cricketers, which occurred due to Pakistan's attack in Paktika province.
Notably, Sri Lanka are the third side in the tournament which will begin in Rawalpindi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a meek statement on their social media handle, said that "Afghanistan expressed their inability to participate in the tournament."
"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.
Also Read: IND vs AUS Live Cricket Score, 1st ODI
"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 tri-series will commence on November 17, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second fixture will also be played at the same venue on November 19, when Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe.
Following the two matches in Rawalpindi, the action will shift to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, which will stage the remaining five matches, including the final on November 29.
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), in a post on X, stated that several lives were lost in the incident, including the three players returning home after a "friendly' match in Sharana, the provincial capital.
Also Read: IND vs AUS 1st ODI Live Streaming
"The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family," it said in a statement.
Describing the incident as "tragic", the ACB said "as a gesture of respect to the victims" it had "decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series."
