 "The ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan border conflict can have long-term repercussions on cricket. Images: Reuters/Emirates Cricket Board")
The cross-border conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has spilled into cricket, with an upcoming T20I triangular series in November facing the heat and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi approaching the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In one of the deadliest border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent times, both countries have been engaged in deadly fire at multiple locations alongside the 2,600-kilometer Durand Line. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have claimed that they have captured and destroyed multiple border posts of their opponents along the border.
Taliban vs Pakistan Army at border
The conflict began after the air strikes in Kabul on Thursday. While the Pakistan Army has not taken the responsibility for the strikes, it was seen as a retaliation by Islamabad for the terror attacks in the country that are being “planned” in Afghanistan.
Enraged by the air strikes, Taliban-led Afghanistan launched attacks on Pakistan Army along the border on Saturday at Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir and Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Bahram Chah in Balochistan.
The conflict has turned deadly as the Taliban claimed on Sunday that it had lost nine of its men and killed 58 Pakistani soldiers. In a counterclaim, Pakistan said that over 200 Taliban fighters have been neutralised while they have only lost 23 soldiers.
Afghanistan to skip cricket tournament in Pakistan?
As tensions continue at the border, the November T20I triangular series including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka is in jeopardy. There are fears that Afghanistan might pull out of the tournament amid the tension at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). India and Pakistan have been at the crossroads after ACC chairman Naqvi ran away with the Asia Cup 2025 trophy following the Indian team’s refusal to take the silverware for him.
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to float a no-confidence motion against Naqvi at ACC, it has been felt that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) may side with India. However, they r efused the rumours recently and reiterated their commitment to the tri-series.
But Afghanistan are now once again expected to skip the series due to the border conflict. The tournament is scheduled to run from 17 to 29 November in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIn case the tri-series doesn’t happen, Pakistan and Sri Lanka may play a bilateral T20I series in Sri Lanka in January, but that would become a problem for a few Pakistani players who are scheduled to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) during that time.
Meanwhile, Naqvi has reportedly approached the ICC for a backup plan as he is determined to hold the tri-series.
“The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has asked the International Cricket Council to start working on an alternate plan as he wants the tri-Series to go ahead,” a source told news agency Press Trust of India.
It’s also quite possible that Naqvi and PCB are in contact with other cricket boards to replace Afghanistan in the tournament.