Zimbabwe has replaced Afghanistan in Pakistan’s upcoming T20I tri-series with Sri Lanka, set to be held from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Zimbabwe has joined Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the upcoming T20I tri-series, replacing Afghanistan, who withdrew after a tragic incident at home. The tournament will take place from November 17 to 29 across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Afghanistan pulled out after three local players, Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were killed in an alleged cross-border attack in Paktika’s Urgun district. The players were returning from a friendly match in Sharana when the attack occurred. The Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed grief over the loss and decided to withdraw. The tri-series will continue as planned, marking Zimbabwe’s return to international action ahead of their home season.
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“In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon) alongside 5 other fellow countrymen from Urgun District were martyred, and seven others were injured. In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in late November,” ACB was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
The tournament opens on November 17 with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka will meet Zimbabwe at the same venue on November 19. The remaining matches, including Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on November 22 and 27, will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan will also play Zimbabwe again on November 23, while Sri Lanka face Zimbabwe on November 25. The final is scheduled for November 29 in Lahore.
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