The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has swiftly clarified the status of the upcoming tri-nation series, which is set to take place in Pakistan next month.
The tournament’s future came into question after Afghanistan, one of the two foreign teams, decided to withdraw from the event, citing deteriorating political ties between the two countries.
In its statement, the PCB confirmed that the series remains “on schedule,” with both Pakistan and Sri Lanka set to participate. The tournament is currently slated for November 17 to 29, and efforts are underway to identify a replacement third team following Afghanistan’s exit.
Afghanistan’s withdrawal was confirmed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), which issued a statement announcing its decision not to participate in the tri-nation T20 event originally scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan.
Despite the setback, the PCB remains confident about proceeding with the event. Sources suggest that talks are likely to take place with multiple cricket boards to bring in another Asian or associate team to fill the vacant slot, ensuring Pakistan’s white-ball calendar remains uninterrupted ahead of a busy 2026 season that includes the T20 World Cup.
The tri-series will serve as a crucial component of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup preparations, offering the Men in Green valuable match practice under home conditions.
With official confirmation expected soon, fans remain hopeful that the PCB will finalize a competitive lineup to keep the spirit of the tri-series alive despite Afghanistan’s withdrawal.
