PCB in talks with three boards after Afghanistan withdraws from tri-series

Published - 18 Oct 2025, 19:22 IST | Updated - 18 Oct 2025, 19:47 IST

Afghanistan withdrew from the upcoming T20I tri-series in Pakistan following recent airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province that reportedly killed three young Afghan cricketers. Originally scheduled to begin on November 17 in Lahore, the series was to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its decision to pull out of the event in protest.

The tragic incident has further strained the tense relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The ACB stated that the deaths of the players, Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, along with other civilians in the airstrikes, were a “cowardly act” carried out by the Pakistani regime. The decision to withdraw, the ACB clarified, was made as a mark of respect to the victims and in solidarity with the affected families.

"In response of 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, scheduled to be played in late November. The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.

The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. The ACB also extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families of the martyrs and to the people of Paktika Province," ACB said in a statement.

Afghan captain Rashid Khan also condemned the attack. Despite the setback, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the tri-series will go ahead as planned, with a replacement team expected to be announced soon. All matches are scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the final on November 29.

“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,” said a senior PCB official on Saturday.

According to reports, the PCB is already in active discussions with three cricket boards, Zimbabwe, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to fill the vacant spot left by Afghanistan. According to sources, Zimbabwe is the frontrunner, as the PCB prefers a full-member Test-playing nation.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the Afghan cricketers. The ICC condemned the violence and extended condolences to the ACB and the affected families.