Tri-Series to Go Ahead in Lahore Despite Afghanistan Exit—PCB Scrambles for Replacement Team

Table of Contents

• PCB Confirms Tri-Series Will Proceed as Scheduled
• Why Did Afghanistan Pull Out?
• Who Could Replace Afghanistan?
• Sri Lanka Locked In for Lahore Leg
• Full Tournament Schedule and Format
• Sources

Tri-Series to Go Ahead in Lahore Despite Afghanistan Exit

The Tri-Series in Lahore is still on. Despite Afghanistan’s sudden withdrawal, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday that the three-nation T20I tournament will kick off as planned on November 17 and run through November 29 at Gaddafi Stadium.

“The Tri-Series will proceed with two confirmed teams and a replacement currently under discussion,” a PCB spokesperson said. “We are committed to delivering a high-quality, competitive event for fans and stakeholders.”

Why Did Afghanistan Pull Out?

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) cited “logistical and scheduling constraints” as the reason for its withdrawal, though insiders suggest internal administrative turmoil and security concerns may have also played a role. The decision came just weeks before the tournament, leaving PCB scrambling to secure a third participant.

This isn’t the first time Afghanistan has backed out of a bilateral or multilateral series involving Pakistan. Political sensitivities and regional tensions have occasionally impacted cricketing ties, despite growing on-field camaraderie between the two sides.

Who Could Replace Afghanistan?

The PCB is actively evaluating options for a replacement team. While associate nations like Scotland, Ireland, or the Netherlands are technically available, the board has expressed a strong preference for a Test-playing nation to maintain the tournament’s competitive standard and broadcast appeal.

Early speculation points to:

• West Indies – Flexible schedule and historical participation in Pakistan events
• Bangladesh – Strong bilateral ties with PCB; recently toured Pakistan
• New Zealand – Possible if their domestic calendar allows

However, no formal invitations or confirmations have been issued yet. A PCB official noted that “discussions are ongoing with multiple cricket boards,” and a decision is expected within the next 7–10 days.

Sri Lanka Locked In for Lahore Leg

Sri Lanka’s participation remains firm. The island nation’s team is expected to arrive in Lahore in mid-November for a full-strength T20I series as part of the Tri-Series. The Lankan squad is likely to include stars like Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka, and Maheesh Theekshana.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has maintained a consistent touring relationship with Pakistan in recent years, making them a reliable partner for such short-notice arrangements.

Full Tournament Schedule and Format

If a third team is confirmed, the tournament will follow a double round-robin format, with each team playing the others twice before the top two advance to the final.

Dates	Event
Nov 17–26	Round-robin matches (6 total)
Nov 29	Final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

All matches will be played in the evening under lights, with tickets expected to go on sale by early November. The PCB is also in talks with broadcasters to ensure live coverage across South Asia, the Middle East, and digital platforms globally.

For fans, the Tri-Series represents a rare opportunity to see international cricket in Lahore outside of bilateral tours—and PCB is determined not to let Afghanistan’s exit derail the event.

Sources

PCB issues status update on Tri-Series after Afghanistan’s withdrawal – Times of India