Afghanistan vs Pakistan Match at Risk Due to Military Conflict, PCB Develops Backup Plan

The ongoing military conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan has cast uncertainty over Afghanistan’s participation in an upcoming T20 Tri-Series. The series involves Pakistan and Sri Lanka and is scheduled to take place from November 17 to 29.

PCB’s Backup Plans Amidst Ongoing Conflict

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, is proactively developing a contingency plan. They are keen to ensure that the Tri-Series proceeds as scheduled. According to sources, the PCB has requested assistance from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in this regard.

T20 Series Against Sri Lanka

In light of potential changes, the PCB has also invited Sri Lanka for a series of three T20 matches between November 11 and 15. This series would precede the Tri-Series that includes Afghanistan. Talks are underway for another quick series in Colombo, tentatively set for January 1-10, and involves three T20 matches.

Implications for Players’ NOCs

This proposed series with Sri Lanka may complicate matters for several Pakistani players signed by the Big Bash League. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are among those contracted, with expectations for appearances in the T20 league for the first time. The PCB had suspended all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players in different leagues, causing concern for Cricket Australia, which had planned for these players’ participation in its competitions.

• Players signed by Big Bash:
  • Babar Azam
  • Mohammad Rizwan
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi
  • Haris Rauf
  • Shadab Khan
  • Hasan Ali
  • Hassan Khan
• Scheduled matches:
  • T20 series against Sri Lanka: November 11-15
  • T20 Tri-Series: November 17-29
  • Possible series in Colombo: January 1-10
  • Australia tour: January 2024

As these discussions evolve, the PCB will need to balance the interests of its players, the ICC, and its obligations to Cricket Australia. The outcome will significantly influence the future of Pakistani players in international leagues and their involvement in bilateral series.