The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed that Zimbabwe will join the upcoming Pakistan Tri-Series 2025, stepping in to replace Afghanistan, who have withdrawn from the event. The T20I tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and now Zimbabwe, will take place from November 17 to 29 across Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Afghanistan Withdraws After Tragic Incident
Earlier, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced that the team would not participate in the tri-series, citing the recent tragic deaths of three Afghan cricketers. According to the ACB, the players were killed in an alleged cross-border attack in Afghanistan’s Urgun district while returning home after playing a friendly match in Paktika province.
In an emotional statement on X (formerly Twitter), the ACB said, “The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family.” The board added that the decision to withdraw was made “as a gesture of respect to the victims.”
Following the incident, both the ICC and BCCI expressed condolences and solidarity with Afghanistan’s cricket community.
PCB Confirms Zimbabwe’s Inclusion
While the PCB has not officially commented on Afghanistan’s withdrawal beyond acknowledging “Afghanistan’s inability to participate,” it quickly confirmed that Zimbabwe would take their place to ensure the tri-series continues as planned.
The updated schedule begins with Pakistan vs Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi, followed by Zimbabwe’s clash against Sri Lanka at the same venue two days later. The remaining fixtures will then shift to Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Zimbabwe Steps Up for Pakistan Tri-Series 2025
This participation marks another opportunity for the Zimbabwe cricket team to gain competitive exposure against top-tier sides ahead of upcoming international events. The team, led by its promising pace attack featuring Blessing Muzarabani, will aim to make the most of this unexpected inclusion.
