KABUL / HARARE – Afghanistan will no longer participate in an upcoming international cricket series after three players were killed in an air strike during a local tournament, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed.
In a brief statement, the ACB said the tragedy had left the nation’s cricketing community “devastated,” adding that all team activities had been suspended to allow for national mourning.
“Our hearts are broken. The cricketing fraternity mourns the loss of our players who were full of promise and passion. The team will not take part in the upcoming series out of respect for the fallen,” the board said.
Following Afghanistan’s withdrawal, Zimbabwe Cricket has officially accepted an invitation to replace Afghanistan in the series.
Zimbabwe Cricket spokesperson Lovemore Banda confirmed the development, saying the team was ready to honour the fixture.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Afghanistan Cricket Board and their players. Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with our Afghan counterparts and is honoured to step in to ensure the continuity of the game,” Banda said.
The series — originally featuring Afghanistan — will now proceed with Zimbabwe filling the vacant slot. The updated schedule and fixtures are expected to be released in the coming days.
