Afghanistan withdraw from T20 cricket tri-series in Pakistan amid ongoing cross-border tensions

Afghanistan have pulled out of a T20 worldwide tri-series in Pakistan subsequent month after the deaths of three native cricketers.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) mentioned the deaths had been because of navy strikes amid ongoing cross-border tensions between the 2 nations.

Pakistan and Afghanistan prolonged a 48-hour truce amid peace talks on Friday, reported Reuters, after clashes which have killed dozens.

Afghanistan had been poised to play Pakistan and Sri Lanka within the tri-series between November 17 and 29 with two league-stage video games scheduled between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The ACB mentioned in a press release: “The ACB considers this an important loss for Afghanistan’s sports activities neighborhood, its athletes, and the cricketing household.

“In response of this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has determined to withdraw from collaborating within the upcoming tri-nation T20I collection.”

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan mentioned he welcomed the choice whereas posting on social media platform X, writing that “nationwide dignity should come earlier than all else”.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has but to touch upon the event.

Within the tri-series, the highest two groups after Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka had performed one another twice would have reached the ultimate in Lahore on November 29.