**Why Afghanistan Withdrew from T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan**
*By Parth Dhall | Oct 13, 2025, 10:56 pm*
In a major development, Afghanistan has pulled out of the upcoming T20I Tri-Series scheduled to be held in Pakistan, which was set to also feature Sri Lanka. The series was planned to take place between November 17 and 29.
This withdrawal comes amid the ongoing military conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The escalating tensions have forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to start preparing alternative arrangements for the tournament.
**ICC Involvement and Alternate Plans**
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prepare “alternate plans” for the tri-series. This call follows rising tensions after Taliban forces in Afghanistan retaliated against recent airstrikes conducted by Pakistan.
The Taliban government claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in what they described as “retaliatory” strikes on a Saturday night in Kabul, further intensifying the conflict between the two nations.
**Strategic Moves to Keep Cricket on Track**
Despite the conflict, the PCB remains keen on ensuring the tri-series goes ahead as planned. To maintain momentum, Pakistan has invited Sri Lanka for three T20 International matches starting November 11, ahead of the tri-series involving Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Moreover, the Pakistan and Sri Lankan cricket boards are in talks to arrange a three-match T20I series scheduled to take place in Colombo between January 1 and 10, aiming to continue fostering cricketing ties despite regional difficulties.
The situation remains fluid, and cricket fans will be watching closely as the boards and the ICC navigate these challenges to keep international cricket alive in the region.
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