On Friday night, October 17, 2025, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced it was pulling out of the 2025 Pakistan T20I Tri‑Nation Series after a Pakistani airstrike in Khost Province killed three Afghan local cricketers. Within twelve hours, the Pakistan Cricket Board, led by chairman Zaka Ashraf, confirmed that Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) would replace the Afghans, keeping the three‑team tournament on track for its November 17‑29 schedule. The switch means Pakistan, Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe will still battle for a spot in the final, a crucial stepping stone toward the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Background: Tensions that Triggered the Withdrawal
The decision did not emerge in a vacuum. Two days earlier, Pakistan’s Inter‑Services Intelligence accused Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security of sheltering militants behind the October 13 terrorist attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, which left four security personnel dead. In response, Islamabad closed the Torkham border crossing on October 16, halting the flow of more than 2,000 daily traders. The following night, Pakistani aircraft struck a convoy in Khost, unintentionally hitting three local cricketers who were traveling to a regional tournament. The Nadeem Khan, PCB’s media relations director, later said the incident “made it impossible for the ACB to commit to travel under the current security climate.”
The Tri‑Series Format and Venues
The competition, formally titled 2025 Pakistan T20I Tri‑Nation SeriesPakistan, follows a double round‑robin schedule: each side faces the others twice, with the top two advancing to a knockout final on November 29. Matches will be spread across three historic grounds: Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and the newer Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan. Security will be overseen by an ICC‑approved unit, a point emphasized by Zaka Ashraf in his statement at 23:45 PST on October 17.
Zimbabwe’s Swift Arrival: Logistics and Fees
When the PCB’s contingency plan kicked in, Firoz Kassam, CEO of Zimbabwe Cricket, signed off on a seven‑day acclimatisation programme beginning November 10. The agreement includes a fixed participation fee of USD $1,250,000 per tour, a sum first set out in a 2023 memorandum of understanding between the two boards. This marks Zimbabwe’s seventh cricketing excursion to Pakistan since the historic 2015 tour that ended a six‑year international exile for the host nation after the 2009 Lahore bus attack.
Economic Stakes and Broadcast Deal
Beyond the sport itself, the series is a multi‑million‑dollar enterprise. Broadcasters paid USD $3.5 million for rights, a deal sealed with Sony Sports Network earlier this summer. Ticket revenue is projected at USD $2.1 million, with prices ranging from PKR 500 for general admission to PKR 5,000 for premium seating. Corporate sponsorship, headlined by Habib Bank Limited (HBL), adds another USD $1.8 million to the pot. Together, the financial inflow tops USD $7.4 million, a figure that the PCB hopes will offset heightened security costs and the loss of ticket sales that might have come from an Afghan fan base.
What This Means for World Cup Prep
All 15 matches will feed directly into the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, making each game a litmus test for final‑tuning ahead of the 2026 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Cricket analysts, such as former Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga, note that “playing in Pakistani conditions—fast pitches, high humidity—offers a unique preparation edge that many teams miss out on.” For Zimbabwe, the tour also serves as a platform to showcase emerging talent ahead of their own qualifying campaign, while Pakistan hopes to cement its resurgence after years of security‑driven isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Afghanistan withdraw from the tri‑series?
The ACB cited security concerns after a Pakistani airstrike killed three Afghan local cricketers in Khost Province. Ongoing border tensions and the recent closure of the Torkham crossing made travel logistically risky, prompting the board to pull out.
How quickly was Zimbabwe added to the tournament?
PCB officials executed the replacement within 12 hours of the ACB’s announcement, using a contingency protocol devised in August 2025. Zimbabwe confirmed participation on October 18, 2025.
What financial compensation does Zimbabwe receive?
Under a 2023 memorandum of understanding, Zimbabwe Cricket will be paid a fixed fee of USD $1,250,000 for its involvement in the tri‑series, covering travel, accommodation and a participation stipend.
How does the series affect World Cup preparation?
All matches count toward ICC T20I rankings, giving each side a competitive gauge before the 2026 World Cup. Playing in Pakistani venues offers valuable experience on sub‑continental pitches, which are expected to dominate the World Cup schedule.
What security measures are in place for the tournament?
The PCB, in coordination with the ICC Security Unit, has instituted enhanced perimeter checks, armed patrols at all three stadiums, and a dedicated medical response team. Players and officials will travel in sealed convoys during the acclimatisation period.