The mental instability of Afghan players and difficulties in travelling drive Pakistan-Afghanistan series to get postponed

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Afghanistan was scheduled to take place in early September at the neutral venue in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. The series was hosted by Afghanistan. However, the series has been postponed at the request of the Afghan Cricket Board (ACB).

Hamid Shinwari, chief executive of the ACB mentioned that they tried to organize the series. He even told Pakistan to play the series on their soil. But considering the current internal situation in Afghanistan, they had finally decided to postpone the series.

The chief executive told the media, “Until this evening we had principally agreed to play the series in Pakistan and we are thankful to Pakistan for all the support they offered.” He further explained that after considering all the situations, especially the cricketers’ mental readiness, the board found that they were not prepared as they needed a camp and time for the team to acclimatize to the weather and conditions.

Hamid said that the cricket boards of Pakistan and Sri Lanka have also supported the decision of ACB. After discussion, the ACB and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreed to reschedule the series for 2022 and have also informed the ICC that they will try to play this series before the 2023 World Cup.

According to the PCB’s press release, the ACB has informed about the mental condition of Afghan cricketers as well as the growing number of Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka, difficulties in traveling from Kabul to Sri Lanka, and some broadcasting issues. With keeping all these in mind, they have decided to postpone the series for the time being.

In the press release, PCB Director International Zakir Khan has also disclosed that they’ve worked very closely with the ACB to make the series happen and are keen to play with the Afghan team in the inaugural bilateral series, but they also understand ACB’s challenges and thus, agreed to reschedule the series for 2022.

He also mentioned that the board will do everything to ensure the series is played next year because it is critical for both teams in terms of direct qualifications for the 2023 World Cup. 

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