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Pakistan get Zimbabwe's help after Afghanistan pull out of tri-series following death of cricketers
After Afghanistan withdrew from the T20I tri-series, Zimbabwe was confirmed as a replacement by the PCB. The tournament will take place in Lahore and Rawalpindi
Following Afghanistan’s withdrawal from the upcoming T20I tri-nation series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finalised Zimbabwe as its replacement after actively exploring options to keep the tournament on schedule. “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,” PCB said.
The tri-nation series, which also features Sri Lanka, is set to be held in Lahore from November 17 to 29. Despite the sudden pull-out by Afghanistan, the PCB has reaffirmed its commitment to staging the tournament as planned.
According to a PTI report, talks were ongoing with associate members Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but the preference was given to a Test-playing nation.
The tri-series will commence on 17 November, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second fixture will also be played at the same venue on 19 November, 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 29 November.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series Schedule
17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had earlier announced that it would not be sending its national team to Pakistan, citing the tragic deaths of three cricketers in Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province as the reason for withdrawal.
In a strongly worded statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said it was "deeply saddened" by the "tragic martyrdom" of the players — Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon — who, along with five others from Urgun District in Paktika Province, were killed when they were attacked after returning from a friendly match in Sharana, the provincial capital. Seven others were injured in the incident.
"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," ACB said in a statement.
According to reports, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in the Argun and Barmal districts of Paktika province, also halting the ceasefire between the two nations.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have had a strained cricketing relationship in recent years. While Afghanistan has never played a bilateral series against Pakistan since gaining Test status, their A teams and players have previously toured Pakistan and taken part in its domestic competitions.
