PCB Confirms Tri-Series to Proceed as Planned
The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that the T20I tri-nation series will continue as planned, despite Afghanistan recently withdrawing from the scheduled tournament.
A PCB spokesperson stated that the event, taking place from November 17 to 29 in Pakistan, will proceed according to the previously announced fixtures.
The spokesperson further explained that the board is evaluating possible options for a replacement team, with a final decision expected in the coming days.
According to sources familiar with the matter, PCB officials have approached Zimbabwe Cricket as a potential substitute following Afghanistan’s recent withdrawal from the series.
Initially, the tri-nation event was set to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, providing valuable exposure ahead of next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
Earlier, Afghanistan announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tournament following an attack in Paktika province that killed eight people, including three national cricketers.
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Relations between the neighbouring countries have deteriorated sharply due to border clashes and Pakistan’s repeated calls for Kabul to restrain militant activity.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently declared an end to diplomatic appeals, accusing Afghanistan and India of jointly supporting acts of terrorism against Pakistan.
Rawalpindi will host the opening two matches on November 17 and 19, while Lahore will stage the remaining five games, including the final on November 29.
The home series holds major importance for Pakistan’s T20 squad, providing crucial preparation before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan last played a T20 International during the 2025 T20 Asia Cup, where they suffered defeat against eventual champions India in the semi-final match.
