- The final decision will be announced soon, the PCB spokesperson said.
- Zimbabwe eyed as potential replacement (sources)
- The three series will be held in Pakistan from November 17 to 29.
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday confirmed that the Tri-Nation T20I series will go ahead as scheduled, despite Afghanistan’s withdrawal from the tournament amid recent tensions between the two neighboring countries.
A PCB spokesperson said PK Press Club News that the event, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from November 17-29, will go ahead as per the original schedule, as the cricket committee studies options for the third team.
The spokesperson added that the final decision would be announced soon.
Sources aware of the developments said the PCB has contacted the Zimbabwe Cricket Board to potentially replace Afghanistan. The tri-national series was initially scheduled to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, with the final scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Islamabad and Kabul have witnessed heightened tensions since October 12, when Taliban forces and the India-backed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), aka Fitna al-Khawarij, resorted to an unprovoked attack on Pakistan.
The Pakistani armed forces gave a befitting response to the aggression, killing more than 200 Afghan Taliban and affiliated militants in a vigilante action. Army media said 23 soldiers accepted martyrdom during clashes with Taliban forces and terrorists.
