Zimbabwe Likely to Join Tri-Series After Afghanistan Pullout Following Cross-Border Attack: Reports

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seemed calm after Afghanistan decided to pull out of the upcoming tri-nation series with Sri Lanka. Afghanistan’s cricket board made this decision in protest against Pakistan’s recent airstrikes, which broke a 48-hour ceasefire and killed ten people, including three Afghan cricketers. After the attacks, Afghanistan’s board expressed sadness over the deaths and said their team would not take part in the tournament in Pakistan.

Afghanistan’s T20I captain Rashid Khan strongly criticized Pakistan’s airstrikes calling them “barbaric and immoral.” His teammates Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib also expressed their condolences for the three Afghan cricketers who died. This tri-series would have been Afghanistan’s first multi-nation tournament in Pakistan. Earlier, the two teams had played against each other in a tri-series in the UAE before the Asia Cup 2025.

''I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.

It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed. In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time, our national dignity must come before all else." Rashid Khan said.

Afghanistan Withdraws from Pakistan Tri-Series Amid Tragic Airstrike Deaths

Afghanistan has not played a full series against Pakistan since becoming a Test team. Before that, their A teams often toured Pakistan and some Afghan players trained there or played in Pakistan’s domestic games. The PCB is now looking for a team to replace Afghanistan in the upcoming tri-series. They may consider teams like Nepal or the UAE, but they prefer another Test-playing country. Sri Lanka will still play, and the tournament will start on November 17 with the replacement team to be announced soon.

A senior PCB official said, “The tri-series will go ahead as planned even after Afghanistan pulled out. We are looking for a replacement team and will announce it once finalised. Since Sri Lanka is the third team, the tournament will start on 17th November.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet made an official statement after Afghanistan pulled out of the tri-nation series. It is unclear if the series will go ahead as a two-team contest between Pakistan and Sri Lanka or be postponed. According to Geo News, Zimbabwe might replace Afghanistan. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been high and officials had to separate fans from both countries to avoid clashes during a previous tri-series in Sharjah.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series from November 11 to 15. This series will give Pakistan extra practice ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. At the same time, other teams have international matches: Australia and England will play the Ashes, while South Africa will tour India for a multi-format series.