Zimbabwe Set to Replace Afghanistan in Upcoming Pakistan T20I Tri-Series

Zimbabwe will replace Afghanistan in the T20I tri-series in Pakistan from November 17 to 29. The tournament includes Sri Lanka and aims to prepare teams for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe will step in for Afghanistan in the upcoming T20I tri-series in Pakistan from 17 to 29 November, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Afghanistan withdrew due to the tragic deaths of three cricketers, reportedly caused by air strikes in Paktika province. Sri Lanka remains the third participant in this tournament, which begins in Rawalpindi.

The PCB announced Zimbabwe's participation following Afghanistan's decision not to partake. The board stated that Afghanistan expressed their inability to join the tournament. Zimbabwe Cricket accepted the invitation to compete alongside Sri Lanka, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Tri-Series Schedule and Venues

The tri-series aims to prepare teams for next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The series kicks off on 17 November with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. On 19 November, Sri Lanka will play against Zimbabwe at the same venue.

After these initial matches, the tournament will move to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. This venue will host the remaining five matches, including the final on 29 November. The series marks a significant event as it is the first tri-series held on Pakistani soil.

Afghanistan's Withdrawal and Reactions

Earlier, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) shared on X that several lives were lost, including three players returning from a friendly match in Sharana. "The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family," stated the board.

The ACB described the incident as tragic and decided to withdraw from the Tri-Nation T20I Series as a mark of respect for the victims. Both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) condemned the killings of these aspiring cricketers.

This development has reshaped the tournament dynamics, with Zimbabwe stepping up to fill Afghanistan's spot. The series provides an opportunity for all participating teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of major international competitions.

With inputs from PTI