Zimbabwe will replace Afghanistan in next month’s T20 International tri-series in Pakistan after the Afghan cricket board announced its withdrawal following the tragic deaths of three of its players in Paktika province.
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that the series, scheduled from November 17 to 29, will now feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. All matches will go ahead as planned in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the final to be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on November 29.
Afghanistan’s decision came after three domestic-level cricketers were killed in an airstrike in Urgun district earlier this week. In a statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said the entire nation’s cricket community was mourning the loss of “young and promising talents” and added that the team would not take part in the series “out of respect for the deceased players and their families.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board moved swiftly to find a replacement to keep the event on track, and Zimbabwe Cricket accepted the invitation without hesitation. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi thanked Zimbabwe for stepping in at short notice, saying the series was an important part of Pakistan’s preparations for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Pakistan will now open the series against Zimbabwe on November 17 in Rawalpindi, followed by Sri Lanka’s clash with Zimbabwe two days later. The later matches, including the final, will be played in Lahore.
For Zimbabwe, the series offers a valuable opportunity to compete against two higher-ranked sides and to gain experience in subcontinental conditions ahead of the World Cup year. Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said his board was delighted to accept Pakistan’s invitation, adding that the players were eager to showcase their potential on an international stage.
Afghanistan’s withdrawal has once again shown how political and security instability can directly affect sports. The International Cricket Council expressed its condolences, calling the deaths of the young Afghan players “deeply saddening and appalling.”
Although Afghanistan’s absence is a major loss for fans, the tri-series will continue to provide much-needed competitive cricket for Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It will also serve as Pakistan’s final home assignment of the year, wrapping up their international commitments before the World Cup season begins.
