The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been officially postponed after the Taliban took control of the Afghan nation earlier last week. Notably, the two teams were ought to collide in a three-match series which was due to take place from September 01 to September 08 next month.
Both the teams had earlier agreed to carry on with the series amid political turmoil in the country but in a report stated by Cricket Pakistan, both the teams, on Monday, have mutually agreed to postpone and reschedule the bilateral series in 2022. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has notably contacted PCB and requested them to postpone the series.
Pakistan-Afghanistan ODI Series Postponed As Taliban Takes Control In Afghanistan
In a press release by Pakistan Cricket Board, it was stated, “The ACB had contacted the PCB on Monday evening, requesting to postpone the series for 2022 citing disruption of flight operations in Kabul, increased Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka, mental health of their players and non-availability of broadcast equipment.”
“We have worked very closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to make this series happen and were keen to play them in the inaugural bilateral series, but we understand their challenges and have, therefore, agreed to reschedule the series for 2022,” said PCB Director International Zakir Khan.
“The PCB historically enjoys an excellent relationship with the ACB and will do everything to ensure the series is played in 2022 as it is critical for both the sides in terms of direct qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023,” Zakir Khan further stated.
Pakistan In Cruise Control In West Indies
The Pakistan National Cricket Team have gone in commanding position in the second Test of the two-match series after annihilating the Windies in the first innings on just 150 runs. Pakistan speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed career-best figures of 6 wickets for 51 runs as he ran riot through the West Indies batting lineup.
The hosts won the first Test of the series in an interesting tie by just 1 wicket. However, in the second match, the visitors bounced back, thanks to a century by Fawad Alam in the first innings.
