KABUL (Kashmir English): The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has issued a firm clarification regarding its team’s status for the upcoming tri-nation T20I series in Pakistan next month, dismissing recent social media rumours that suggested the national team would withdraw from the event.
In a statement, the ACB called the circulating claims “completely baseless and misleading,” reaffirming that Afghanistan’s participation in the series, which will feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, remains fully on track.
Sources within the ACB also emphasized that no decision has been made to skip the series, and preparations are proceeding as planned.
The clarification comes after a surge of speculation on social media about Afghanistan’s participation in the tri-nation event, set to take place in Pakistan.
Afghanistan may be aligned with India
This follows tensions stemming from the 2025 Asia Cup, which has reportedly created divisions within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Rumours suggest Afghanistan may be aligned with India, while Sri Lanka is believed to be supporting Pakistan — an alleged political dynamic that could potentially affect future cricketing relations and series between the countries.
The ACB has expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, urging supporters and media outlets to rely solely on official board announcements for accurate updates.
The board also stressed that public trust in official statements is crucial to avoid unnecessary confusion and speculation.
Currently, the Afghanistan national team is engaged in a bilateral series against Bangladesh, followed by a series against Zimbabwe.
After these commitments, the team will travel to Pakistan for the tri-nation series, which is seen as a valuable opportunity for all three teams to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The tri-nation series in November will provide Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan with crucial match practice as they build towards the global tournament.
Despite the ongoing rumours, the ACB has reassured fans and stakeholders that the team’s focus remains on the upcoming series and the continued development of Afghan cricket on the international stage.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has urged fans and media to disregard rumours on social platforms and instead look to official announcements for updates on the team’s schedule and participation, highlighting the importance of credible sources in maintaining the integrity of the sport.
