- Final decision will be published soon, says PCB spokesman.
- Zimbabwe approached as potential replacement: sources
- The tri-series is to 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 pulling out of the tournament amid recent tensions between the two neighboring countries.
A PCB spokesman said Pakinomist news that the event, to be held in Pakistan from November 17 to 29, will go ahead as originally scheduled as the cricket board considers options for the third team.
The spokesman added that the final decision will be announced soon.
Sources privy to the development suggested that the PCB has approached the Zimbabwe Cricket Board as a potential replacement for Afghanistan. The tri-nation series was originally set to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, with the final scheduled for Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Islamabad and Kabul witnessed heightened tensions since October 12, when the Taliban forces and India-backed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), alias Fitna al-Khawarij, resorted to an unprovoked attack on Pakistan.
The Pakistani armed forces gave a befitting response to the aggression, killing over 200 Afghan Taliban and affiliated militants in an action of self-defense. The military’s media wing said 23 soldiers embraced martyrdom in the clashes with the Taliban forces and the terrorists.
