The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced its withdrawal from upcoming cricket series with Pakistan, including the highly anticipated T20 Tri-Nation series scheduled later this year. The decision follows a period of national mourning in Afghanistan after several cricket players were killed in a tragic incident in Paktika province.
According to the statement released by the ACB, Afghanistan will not take part in the T20 Tri-Nation series that was set to be hosted by Pakistan from November 17 to 29. The tournament was expected to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, but the Afghan side’s exit has now forced a change in plans for the event.
In addition to the tri-series, the ACB has also cancelled its planned bilateral T20 matches with Pakistan. The board cited “deep sorrow and grief” over the loss of young Afghan players, calling it a great tragedy for the nation’s sports community and a painful moment for Afghan cricket.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the families of the martyrs and the people of Paktika,” the ACB said in its statement.
Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced the tri-series schedule, which was to be played across Rawalpindi and Lahore. The opening match between Pakistan and Afghanistan was planned for November 17 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by Sri Lanka taking on Afghanistan on November 19. The final was scheduled for November 29 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The series was expected to mark Afghanistan’s first-ever T20 International appearance in Pakistan. However, following the ACB’s decision, the PCB may need to revise the tournament structure and fixtures.
The tragic event in Paktika has cast a shadow over Afghanistan’s sporting activities, as the nation continues to mourn the loss of its young athletes.
