In a sudden change to Pakistan’s upcoming T20I tri-series, Zimbabwe has been confirmed as the replacement for Afghanistan, who have pulled out of the tournament. The series will now feature Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, and is scheduled to be played from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the update on Saturday, after receiving official communication from Afghanistan earlier in the day. The decision comes in the wake of a deeply tragic incident – Afghanistan cited the recent deaths of three of its cricketers, allegedly caused by Pakistani air strikes in the Paktika province, as the reason for its withdrawal.
This unfortunate turn of events has cast a shadow over what was expected to be a competitive and exciting tournament. Cricket, often a unifier in the region, has once again been affected by political and military tensions.
Despite the setback, Zimbabwe’s inclusion is a welcome move for fans. The African side has shown steady improvement in recent years and brings fresh energy to the series. For Pakistan, it’s also a good chance to test bench strength ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka, the third team, will also be eyeing redemption after a challenging 2024 season.
With matches set to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the tri-series is expected to draw strong local crowds. Fans will be eager to see how Pakistan performs at home, especially with a new combination of players and the opportunity for some young talent to shine.
While cricket goes on, the hope remains that sport continues to be a force for peace and healing in the region.
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