ISLAMABAD: Growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have now extended to the sports arena, as the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Tri-Nation Series scheduled to be held in Pakistan, a move that has once again strained cricketing ties between the two neighboring countries.
The Tri-Nation Series, set for November, was to feature Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, but Afghanistan’s sudden withdrawal has put the event in jeopardy.
In an official statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the cancellation of its upcoming bilateral T20 matches against Pakistan, further widening the cricketing divide between the two neighboring nations.
The board expressed “deep sorrow and grief” over the tragic deaths of several Afghan cricket players from the Urgun district in Paktika province, describing the incident as a major loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its players, and the broader cricket family.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board extends its heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the families of the martyrs and the people of Paktika,” the statement read.
Earlier in September, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced that Pakistan would host its first-ever T20 Tri-Nation Series featuring Sri Lanka and Afghanistan later this year. According to the schedule, the series was set to take place from November 17 to 29, with matches divided between Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The opening match between Pakistan and Afghanistan was planned for November 17 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the Sri Lanka–Afghanistan fixture on November 19.
The series was also expected to mark Afghanistan’s first-ever T20 International on Pakistani soil. The remaining five matches, including the final, were to be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, with the title clash scheduled for November 29.
This is not the first time Afghanistan has scaled back cricketing relations with Pakistan. The Afghan board has previously canceled or postponed bilateral series, even as its ties with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continue to strengthen. Observers believe the recent decision appears to be influenced by India’s growing sway over Afghan cricket and regional politics.
In recent weeks, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have become increasingly strained. Pakistan has accused militant groups operating from Afghan soil of carrying out terrorist attacks.
