Afghanistan’s participation in Pakistan T20 tri-series uncertain amid border clashes; PCB explores backup plan

Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly working on an alternate plan after Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming T20 Tri-Series became doubtful due to escalating military tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Pakistan was scheduled to host Sri Lanka and Afghanistan for a seven-match T20I series from November 17 to 29, with games planned in Rawalpindi and Lahore. However, recent deadly clashes along the border have led to heavy casualties on both sides, throwing Afghanistan’s participation into uncertainty.
According to reports, Pakistan’s military claimed to have killed over 200 Taliban and other militants, while losing 23 soldiers and injuring 20. Kabul, meanwhile, asserted that 58 Pakistani troops were killed, with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi saying that Afghanistan had “achieved its goals” and temporarily paused hostilities.
A source quoted by PTI said PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to devise a contingency plan to ensure the Tri-Series proceeds as scheduled.
“The PCB wants the tournament to go ahead, even if Afghanistan cannot participate,” the source said.
The Tri-Series was supposed to follow a three-match bilateral T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from November 11 to 15.
PCB faces potential rift with Cricket Australia
The PCB is also in discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to arrange a three-match T20 series in Colombo between January 1 and 10, sources added.
However, this new arrangement could spark tension between the PCB and Cricket Australia (CA), as several top Pakistani players — including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali — are already signed for the Big Bash League (BBL), which runs from December 14 to January 25.
“If the Sri Lanka series is finalized, Pakistan will either have to play without key players or renegotiate their NOCs, which could lead to friction with Cricket Australia,” the source said.
Earlier, following Pakistan’s loss to India in the 2025 Asia Cup final, the PCB had temporarily revoked all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players’ participation in foreign leagues. Cricket Australia has reportedly reminded the PCB that it invested heavily in marketing the BBL around Pakistani stars.
With diplomatic tensions, border hostilities, and scheduling conflicts mounting, Pakistan’s November-December cricket calendar is hanging by a thread — and the PCB is racing against time to salvage its home season.