With just weeks to go before the scheduled T20I Tri-Series in November, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has formally urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prepare a contingency plan—amid growing uncertainty over Afghanistan’s participation.
The proposed series, set to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, is now clouded by diplomatic tensions and scheduling conflicts that could derail the entire event. Naqvi emphasized that without clarity, Pakistan’s own planning—including player availability for global leagues—remains in limbo.
Why Is Afghanistan’s Participation in Doubt?
While no official reason has been cited by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), sources close to the PCB suggest that ongoing bilateral friction—possibly tied to regional political dynamics—has cast doubt on their commitment to the series.
Compounding the issue: Afghanistan’s domestic calendar and potential clashes with other ICC commitments have left the ACB noncommittal. Without their confirmation, PCB cannot finalize venues, broadcast deals, or team preparations.
PCB’s Dilemma: January Series vs. Big Bash League
Even if the November Tri-Series proceeds, another scheduling headache looms. Pakistan is also slated to host Sri Lanka for a full bilateral series in January 2026—a window that directly overlaps with Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
Star Pakistani players like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Usman Khan have BBL contracts. Forcing them to choose between national duty and franchise commitments could strain relations with Cricket Australia and impact future player releases.
Naqvi’s Call to the ICC
In a strongly worded statement, Naqvi said, “The ICC must step in and ensure tournament integrity. If Afghanistan cannot commit, we need an alternative—fast.”
He proposed two options:
- Replace Afghanistan with another Full Member nation (e.g., Bangladesh or West Indies)
- Convert the event into a bilateral T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with additional matches to maintain broadcast value
What’s at Stake?
Beyond optics, the Tri-Series is critical for Pakistan’s preparation ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. With limited international fixtures scheduled, every match counts—especially against quality opposition.
| Event | Proposed Dates | Status | Key Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20I Tri-Series (PAK, SL, AFG) | Mid–Late November 2025 | Uncertain | Afghanistan’s non-confirmation |
| Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Bilateral | January 2026 | Confirmed (tentative) | Clash with Big Bash League |
| ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | June 2026 | Fixed | Preparation window shrinking |
Fan and Stakeholder Reactions
Pakistani fans have expressed frustration on social media, with many calling the situation “another case of last-minute chaos.” Broadcasters, meanwhile, are reportedly withholding advance payments until the lineup is confirmed.
Cricket analysts warn that repeated scheduling instability could hurt Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable host—especially after successfully staging the 2025 Champions Trophy.
What Happens Next?
The ICC is expected to convene an emergency cricket committee meeting by late October. A final decision on the Tri-Series format must be made by early November to allow teams to adjust travel and logistics.
For now, PCB remains in “wait-and-prepare” mode—scouting venues in Lahore and Karachi while quietly lobbying the ICC for a swift resolution.
Sources
Times of India: PCB chief asks ICC to ready backup plan amid Tri-series uncertainty