The upcoming T20I Tri-series in Pakistan has seen a major change. After Afghanistan pulled out following the recent tragic airstrike in Paktika province, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed Zimbabwe as the replacement team for the event.
The tri-series, which also features Sri Lanka, will go ahead as planned from November 17 to 29 across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
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Which team has been confirmed to replace Afghanistan in the Tri-series?
The PCB announced that Zimbabwe will take Afghanistan’s place in the three-nation T20I series. The decision was made after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) withdrew from the competition due to national mourning.
In their statement, the PCB said Zimbabwe had accepted the invitation to participate and that all fixtures will proceed as per the original schedule.
The series will begin on November 17, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second match will also take place in Rawalpindi on November 19, featuring Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe.
After those two games, the action will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where the remaining fixtures and the final on November 29 will be held.
This marks Zimbabwe’s return to a tri-nation event in Pakistan after several years and the PCB hopes the inclusion will maintain the competitiveness and excitement of the tournament.
Why did Afghanistan withdraw from the Tri-series?
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) made the emotional decision to pull out of the tournament following the tragic deaths of three Afghan cricketers, Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, who were killed in an airstrike in Paktika province.
According to the ACB, the players had recently returned home after participating in a friendly local match before the attack occurred.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) both condemned the attacks, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families and the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
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