3rd team decided for Pakistan T20 Tri-Series after Afghanistan blocks PCB
Published - 19 Oct 2025, 11:45 AM | Updated - 19 Oct 2025, 11:56 AM
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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has withdrawn from the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan following the deaths of three local players in a cross-border attack. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Zimbabwe will replace Afghanistan in the tournament, as per a release on Saturday.
As per reports, Pakistan carried out an airstrike in Paktika province, Afghanistan, that claimed the lives of three cricketers. Pakistan breached the ceasefire between the two nations. The ACB expressed its deep sorrow over the deaths, noting it as a significant loss for the country’s sports community and athletes.
Zimbabwe to Join Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Tri-Series
Zimbabwe will join Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the upcoming tri-series. The Pakistan Cricket Board stated that Afghanistan withdrew from the tournament, scheduled to take place from November 17 to 29. Notably, the series will serve as preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
"Afghanistan expressed their inability to participate in the tournament. 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," the PCB said.
"The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka," it added.
Pakistan Cricket Board Releases Tri-Series New Schedule
The tri-series will begin on November 17, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka will face Zimbabwe at the same venue on November 19.
Following the opening fixtures, the tournament will shift to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which will host the remaining five matches. The two teams will advance to the final, which is set to take place on November 29.
Ahead of the tri-series, Pakistan will also host Sri Lanka in a three-match bilateral T20 series, scheduled from November 11 to 15. The Men in Green recently lost to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai.
Tri-Series T20I Tournament (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe):
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Nov | Pakistan v Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi |
| 19 Nov | Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi |
| 22 Nov | Pakistan v Sri Lanka | Lahore |
| 23 Nov | Pakistan v Zimbabwe | Lahore |
| 25 Nov | Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe | Lahore |
| 27 Nov | Pakistan v Sri Lanka | Lahore |
| 29 Nov | Final | Lahore |
Saddened By the Loss of Civilian Lives - Rashid Khan
The cross-border attack in Paktika, Afghanistan, which tragically claimed the lives of three cricketers, has been condemned by the global cricket community.
Notably, the International Cricket Council (ICC) condemned the act of violence, while BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia extended his condolences to Afghanistan’s cricketing community.
Afghanistan’s T20I captain, Rashid Khan, also expressed his grief on social media, saying that he was “saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan.”
Former captain Gulbadin Naib stated, "We are deeply saddened by the cowardly military attack in Argun, Paktika, that martyred innocent civilians and fellow cricketers," he said.
Also read: Australia to unleash two debutants against Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in IND vs AUS 1st ODI
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Pakistan National Cricket Team PCB Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Afghanistan National Cricket TeamAbout the Author
Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla... Read more
