Zimbabwe have been named as the replacement for Afghanistan in Pakistan's upcoming T20I tri-series at home. The series, set to take place from November 17 to 29, will be played across Lahore and Rawalpindi. Sri Lanka will also be participating in the tournament, making it a three-nation affair.
The change comes following an official withdrawal by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in the wake of a tragic incident that recently occurred in the Urgun district of Afghanistan. According to the board, three local cricketers lost their lives in what it described as a cross-border attack. In light of the incident, the ACB announced that it would not be sending its national team to participate in the series.
"Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November," the PCB said.
"The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka."
The tri-series, which begins on November 17, will see hosts Pakistan take on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. For Zimbabwe, the series presents a valuable opportunity to play against high-calibre opponents.