Rising border tensions have put Afghanistan’s participation in Pakistan’s November T20 Tri-Series in doubt, prompting PCB to seek ICC support and explore backup plans.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively developing contingency plans as Afghanistan’s involvement in November’s T20 Tri-Series grows increasingly uncertain due to escalating military conflicts along the shared border. The seven-match tournament, scheduled to commence on November 17 in Rawalpindi and conclude with a Lahore final on November 29, was originally set to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.
Recent deadly clashes in the border region have resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Pakistan’s military reporting over 200 Taliban casualties and 23 soldier fatalities, while Afghan authorities claim 58 Pakistani military losses. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated that Kabul had “achieved its objectives” and temporarily halted hostilities.
According to sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has requested the International Cricket Council to assist in formulating alternative arrangements to ensure the series proceeds as planned. The board is simultaneously engaged in discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket for an additional three-match T20 series in Colombo from January 1-10, 2026.
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This potential scheduling creates a complex situation with Cricket Australia, which had secured several Pakistani stars—including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi—for the upcoming Big Bash League season running from December 14 to January 25. A source revealed the dilemma: “If the Sri Lanka series is finalized, selectors must either field teams without these players or reconsider their No Objection Certificates, potentially creating disagreement with Cricket Australia.”
The situation developed following PCB’s decision to cancel all NOCs for overseas leagues after Pakistan’s Asia Cup final loss to India, despite CA having heavily marketed the BBL featuring Pakistani talent. The tri-series was intended to precede a bilateral three-T20I engagement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from November 11-15.
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