Afghanistan’s exit paves way for Zimbabwe in Pakistan’s tri-nation series

ISLAMABAD: Zimbabwe Cricket on Saturday agreed to participate in the upcoming T20I tri-nation series after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited them to fill the spot vacated by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), which withdrew amid escalating tensions following the Pakistan–India war.

Earlier in the day, the ACB announced its withdrawal from the Pakistan-hosted tri-series, alleging that three of its cricketers were killed in Pakistani aerial strikes in Kabul.

On Friday, Pakistan targeted terrorist sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, with reports emerging of strikes in multiple areas against hideouts of the banned Hafiz Gul Bahadur network. The attacks came just hours after Islamabad and Kabul had agreed to extend a two-day ceasefire.

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In a statement, the PCB said, “Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka.”

The PCB added that the tri-nation series is scheduled to take place earlier than planned to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the three Afghan cricketers, saying it was “deeply saddened and appalled.”

“The three young men had returned home after participating in a friendly cricket match when they were killed in an attack that also claimed the lives of several civilians,” the ICC statement read.

Zimbabwe to feature in T20I tri-series in Pakistan

Details here ➡️ https://t.co/Co2itxy6HI#PAKvZIM | #PAKvSL

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) October 18, 2025

“The ICC strongly condemns this act of violence that has robbed families, communities, and the cricketing world of three bright talents whose only ambition was to play the sport they loved. The ICC stands in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and echoes their grief.”

Meanwhile, Rashid stirred speculation among fans after removing “Lahore Qalandars” — his Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise — from his X bio.

The move comes shortly after Rashid Khan publicly backed the ACB decision to withdraw from next month’s T20 tri-series in Pakistan amid rising tensions between the two countries.