The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its withdrawal from upcoming cricket engagements with Pakistan, including a planned T20 series and the Tri-Nation tournament scheduled later this year.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions and national mourning following the tragic deaths of Afghan players in Paktika province.

Afghanistan withdraws from T20, tri-nation series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that it will not participate in the T20 Tri-Nation series slated to be held in Pakistan from November 17 to 29. The tournament was set to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, but the ACB’s latest decision means Afghanistan will now be absent from the event.

Also Read: PCB announces T20I tri-series with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan

In an official statement, the ACB also announced the cancellation of bilateral T20 matches with Pakistan, further deepening the cricketing rift between the two neighbouring countries.

ACB cites national tragedy and deep mourning

The board expressed “deep sorrow and grief” over the tragic martyrdom of several brave cricket players from the Urgun district of Paktika province, calling the incident a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, players and cricket family.

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the families of the martyrs and the people of Paktika,” the statement read.

The ACB has alleged that three Afghan players — Kabir, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — from the Urgun area of Paktika province were killed when they were targeted by shelling during a Pakistan–Afghanistan border clash.

According to the ACB, five other people were killed and seven injured in the incident. The Board stated that the players had traveled to Sharana, the main city of Paktika province, to take part in a friendly cricket match when the attack occurred.

Tri-nation T20 series to proceed as planned

Meanwhile, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson has confirmed that the upcoming T20 tri-nation series will go ahead as scheduled despite Afghanistan’s withdrawal.

The tournament is set to take place in Pakistan from November 17 to 29, featuring Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while the third participating team will be announced soon, according to the PCB. “Arrangements are already underway, and the replacement team for Afghanistan will be finalized shortly,” the spokesperson added.

Also Read: PCB announces T20I tri-series with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan

In early September, the Pakistan Cricket Board had confirmed that Pakistan would host its first-ever T20 tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Afghanistan later this year.

According to the schedule, the tri-series was planned from November 17 to 29, with matches split between Rawalpindi and Lahore. The opening clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan was set for November 17 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the Sri Lanka–Afghanistan fixture on November 19.

Afghanistan was set to play their first-ever T20 International in Pakistan during the series. The remaining five matches, including the final, will be staged at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, with the title decider scheduled for November 29.