The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing for a backup plan after Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming T20 Tri-Series became uncertain amid rising military tensions and clashes at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Afghanistan are likely to pull out of the tri-series.
“The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has asked the International Cricket Council to start working on an alternate plan as he wants the Tri-Series to go ahead,” a source was quoted by news agency PTI.
Pakistan are set to host Sri Lanka and Afghanistan for a seven-match T20 Tri-Series, scheduled on November 17 in Rawalpindi with the final on November 29 in Lahore. However, the current situation at the border has forced the PCB to consider other options to keep the series on the track.
Before the tri-series, Pakistan are also expected to participate in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka from November 11 to 15. The source added, “Obviously, if the series with Sri Lanka is finalised, then either the selectors play without these players or the duration of their NOCs will have to be reconsidered by the PCB, meaning a disagreement with Cricket Australia.”
After Pakistan lost to India in the 2025 Asia Cup final, the PCB had canceled all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players participating in foreign leagues. Reportedly, Cricket Australia has raised concerns, saying they had already invested heavily to promote the Big Bash League which also featured Pakistani stars.
The BBL is set to begin on December 14 and end on January 25. Whereas the fate of the tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan also remains to be seen.
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