The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has successfully convinced Zimbabwe to take Afghanistan’s place in next month’s tri-nation series following Kabul’s withdrawal after deadly airstrikes in Paktika province.
PCB has convinced Zimbabwe to feature in the tri-series after Afghanistan pulled out, and the series will be played as scheduled from November 17–29.
The opening match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe will be played in Rawalpindi on November 17, followed by Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on November 19 at the same venue. The remaining five matches, including the final, will be held in Lahore.
PCB Expresses Sorrow Over Tragedy
While confirming Zimbabwe’s participation, PCB officials privately acknowledged their sadness over the loss of lives in Afghanistan.
The conflict, however, originated from terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Players Back Boycott
According to officials from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), players unanimously supported the decision to withdraw from the tri-series, expressing both anger and grief over the deaths of their three compatriots.
The Afghanistan players are sad and angry and are all in support of the decision not to go to Pakistan.
“No Handshakes” Policy and PSL boycott
In protest, Afghan players are reportedly planning to adopt India’s “no handshake” stance against Pakistan players during the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
They are also expected to boycott the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in April–May 2026, despite several of their leading players — including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Najeebullah Zadran — being regulars in the tournament.
