After the Taliban’s takeover of power in Afghanistan, a one-day series from Pakistan to Afghanistan, scheduled for next month in Sri Lanka, had been postponed until 2022.
The two countries were slated to play three ODI matches in Sri Lanka in early September, but the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) said late on Monday (23rd August) that the Cricket Board of Afghanistan (ACB) asked to postpone the series.
The PCB tweeted that they have accepted the request of ACB to postpone next month’s ODI series due to players’ mental health issues, disruption in flight operations in Kabul, lack of broadcast facilities, and increased Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka.
The statement also elaborated that both the boards have agreed on postponing the ODI series till 2022.
Zakir Khan, PCB Director International Cricket said that they all have collectively worked extremely hard with ACB to make the series between Pakistan and Afghanistan happen, however, the challenges that Afghanistan faces right now are rational and logical. Moreover, due to the existing harsh conditions in Afghanistan, as a result, both the boards have agreed on rescheduling.
Additionally, Zakir added that PCB and ACB share an excellent relationship, and they will do everything in their power to ensure that the series is played in 2022. It is essential for both sides in terms of direct qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The media reports have said that Afghanistan’s team had been seeking to travel to Pakistan but unfortunately, they cannot as the commercial flights from Kabul are yet to be resumed.
The logistical difficulties grew after Sri Lanka imposed a 10-day lockdown last week to combat the spread of Covid-19, as rising illnesses and deaths overwhelmed the island’s health system.
The Taliban have stated that they will not interfere with men’s cricket in Afghanistan, which has been the country’s largest sporting achievement in recent years.
