What's new

Afghanistan versus Pakistan ODI series postponed - ACB to ask PCB to play series in Afghanistan

Play in Pakistan are you really gonna go from

- Kabul to Pakistan,
- Pakistan to Dubai
- Dubai to Colombo/Hambontota

That flight itinerary sounds exhausting on its own from all the flight changes plus think of the wait time as well at airports.

Just play in Pakistan, direct flight from Kabul to Lahore/Karachi/Rawalpindi, quarantine and then let’s get it on.
 
Getting rumours that they've scrapped the SL idea and will play in Pakistan instead. Common sense prevails from ACB.
 
Media reports state that due to logistical issues, Afghanistan are expected to play their home series (vs Pakistan) in Pakistan next month
 
Still think we shouldn't be hosting them until they are held accountable for their past behavior.
 
Guess they couldnt have held it in their second home in India.
 
Guess they couldnt have held it in their second home in India.

They have much in common with our Pashtun brothers, are our neighbour and fellow Muslims. Disappointing to see that you and some others can't find it in your heart to welcome them, especially at a time like this.
 
They have much in common with our Pashtun brothers, are our neighbour and fellow Muslims. Disappointing to see that you and some others can't find it in your heart to welcome them, especially at a time like this.

Maybe you misunderstood.

I am merely pointing out that they were closer to India before which was their second home for cricket - they trained there many times.

I am glad that they are in Pakistan to play the series.
 
They have much in common with our Pashtun brothers, are our neighbour and fellow Muslims. Disappointing to see that you and some others can't find it in your heart to welcome them, especially at a time like this.

Why look for something that is not even desired? Afghans have no desire to cozy up to Pakistan, so why bend over backwards for them?

This one way love train needs to stop.
 
They have much in common with our Pashtun brothers, are our neighbour and fellow Muslims. Disappointing to see that you and some others can't find it in your heart to welcome them, especially at a time like this.

Do you think after what Afghanistan has said about Pakistan we'd be very welcoming? We offered the series to be hosted and they declined.

Always remember as well that Pakistan was used as a base for the Afghan players and they played in our domestic leagues.
 
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have agreed to shift the three-matches ODI series in the country.

ACB’s spokesperson Hikmatullah confirmed that they will host Pakistan in their backyard after Sri Lanka imposed 10-days lockdown due to prevailing COVID-19.

Initially, the tour was scheduled in Hambantota, Sri Lanka from September 3-8. The official announcement related to the tour will be made in a due course. PCB is yet to decide the venue for the series.

ARY
 
It's a sensible decision given the logistical complications and the additional quarantine requirements in Sri Lanka.
 
https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/pakistan-vs-afghanistan-odi-series-postponed-latest-cricket-news/article36067841.ece

The limited-overs series between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been postponed. With no commercial flights operating from Kabul due to the current situation in the country, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) faced logistical issues in sending the team to Hambantatota - where the series was scheduled to be held from September 3.

"After much deliberation, we have mutually decided to postpone the tournament, keeping the conditions and the mental health of the players in mind," ACB CEO Hamid Shinwari told Sportstar on Monday.

Earlier, several media reports claimed that the series will be shifted to Pakistan, but Shinwari said that it was not possible to hold the series in current circumstances. "The Pakistan Cricket Board and the Sri Lanka Cricket Board had supported us fully in terms of helping us with hosting the series, but in the current scenario, it is not possible to hold the series," Shinwari said.

The series is part of the ICC's qualifying league for the 2023 World Cup, scheduled in India. "We have kept ICC in the loop and we will look at a possible date sometime before the 2023 World Cup," the CEO said.

With the T20 World Cup scheduled in October-November, Afghanistan does not have much competitive cricket, but the Board is trying hard to host a tri-series, involving Australia and West Indies before the T20 World Cup at a neutral venue.
 
Looks like some ‘other’ cricket board didn’t like the idea of having the series in Pakistan.
 
Dumb move by ACB.

At the end of the day its their loss not ours. With Pakistan Resting some of its players, they had the advantage.
 
And that's the end of that.

Visas given
Option to play in Pakistan

But turned down by ACB.
 
Lol, as soon as they appointed the same ACB chairman who was so publicly anti Pakistan, the series has been cancelled.
 
And that's the end of that.

Visas given
Option to play in Pakistan

But turned down by ACB.

How silly does the ACB look now? Rejecting the offer earlier but then accepting last minute only to find out its too late now.

Again, an eye opener for those that suggest that we should bend over backwards for this board. ACB and Afghanistani people in general have no goodwill for Pakistan and the handling of this whole fiasco confirms it once again. They were too proud to accept Pakistan's offer initially when SL was an option, but when stranded, sheepishly accepted Pak's offer.

Serves them right
 
How silly does the ACB look now? Rejecting the offer earlier but then accepting last minute only to find out its too late now.

Again, an eye opener for those that suggest that we should bend over backwards for this board. ACB and Afghanistani people in general have no goodwill for Pakistan and the handling of this whole fiasco confirms it once again. They were too proud to accept Pakistan's offer initially when SL was an option, but when stranded, sheepishly accepted Pak's offer.

Serves them right

If they accepted to play Pakistan ACB would not have postponed the series.
It's Afghanistan home series. Should not be played in Pakistan as that will give the advantage to Pakistan. Good thing ACB postponed the series.
 
From the PCB:

PCB has accepted ACB's request 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. Both boards will try to reschedule the series in 2022.
 
^ even though that statement sounds like a normal PR statement, there is an element of truth to it, how can you expect the Afghan players to play cricket given what is going on back home.

Only surprising thing is this was an opportunity for Pakistan and the person in charge who is running Afghanistan cricket to kind of showcase that everything is fine under the new regime and what we are seeing on TV is western propaganda which might have suited the political agenda.
 
^ even though that statement sounds like a normal PR statement, there is an element of truth to it, how can you expect the Afghan players to play cricket given what is going on back home.

Only surprising thing is this was an opportunity for Pakistan and the person in charge who is running Afghanistan cricket to kind of showcase that everything is fine under the new regime and what we are seeing on TV is western propaganda which might have suited the political agenda.

Why they thought that they could play during such times is also a mystery.
 
Lahore, 24 August 2021: The Pakistan Cricket Board and Afghanistan Cricket Board have mutually agreed to postpone next month’s three-ODI series, which was scheduled in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. The two boards have agreed that the series, which was planned from 1-8 September, will be rescheduled for 2022.

The ACB had contacted the PCB on Monday evening, requesting to postpone the series for 2022 citing disruption of flight operations in Kabul, increased Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka, mental health of their players and non-availability of broadcast equipment.

PCB Director International Zakir Khan: “We have worked very closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to make this series happen and were keen to play them in the inaugural bilateral series, but we understand their challenges and have, therefore, agreed to reschedule the series for 2022.

“The PCB historically enjoys an excellent relationship with the ACB and will do everything to ensure the series is played in 2022 as it is critical for both the sides in terms of direct qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.”
 
If they accepted to play Pakistan ACB would not have postponed the series.
It's Afghanistan home series. Should not be played in Pakistan as that will give the advantage to Pakistan. Good thing ACB postponed the series.

Not sure what you mean by your first sentence. They did accept - they officially announced it earlier today.

With the given situation in Afghanistan and then the pandemic still wreaking havoc, home advantage should be the last thing on ACB's mind. They aren't in any sort of position to be dictating terms here.
 
Not sure what you mean by your first sentence. They did accept - they officially announced it earlier today.

With the given situation in Afghanistan and then the pandemic still wreaking havoc, home advantage should be the last thing on ACB's mind. They aren't in any sort of position to be dictating terms here.

1. There was never any official annoucment

2. Acb has a right here that they should have the home advantage or play at a place that isnt Pakistans home.

Playing in Pakistan did gave us an upper hand.

Obviously, acb will need to make money from this, thus ground costs and broadcadting need to be taken into consideration
 
I always had doubts about this series.

I know the current circumstances are extraordinary but we all know the history of ACB & how it looks down upon Pakistan. A loss for their cricket really.
 
I always had doubts about this series.

I know the current circumstances are extraordinary but we all know the history of ACB & how it looks down upon Pakistan. A loss for their cricket really.

Frankly think it was time wasting on their end. Either you wanna play us or not, just be straight forward with us.
 
Thank God it is postponed otherwise we will have to deal with Muhammad Hafeez for the next 10 years.
 
Afghanistan-Pakistan Series Postponed

The ICC ODI Super League matches as part of the first-ever bilateral series between Afghanistan and Pakistan is postponed due logistical issues and lack of time for preparations. The decision to postpone the series was agreed mutually between both ACB and PCB Leadership.

The series was originally scheduled to be played in UAE this September. However, it was shifted to Sri Lanka to be played in Hambantota. Ultimately, the travelling difficulties to hold the series in Sri Lanka compelled the board to consider playing the matches in Pakistan itself.

Considering the current situation in Afghanistan and its relative impact on players, it was mutually decided to postpone the series for time being and play it at a later date in 2022.

ACB CEO Hamid Shinwari expressed Thanks to Sri Lanka Cricket for their sincere support. He added that the increasing COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka was also a vital factor in the boards deciding to schedule the matches elsewhere.

Mr. Shinwari further added, “With all the delay in making efforts to play in Sri Lanka, we lost enough time for preparations. Therefore, making a trip to Pakistan without preparation in such a short time is not going to be feasible for our players. "

The three-match ODI series between both teams is also important considering that it is part of the ICC ODI Super league with 30 points at stake.

https://cricket.af/post/afghanistan-pakistan-series-postponed
 
There is no use of travelling to sri lanka and playing afghanistan , pakistan should not accept to play any cricket with afghanistan on neutral venues.
 
There is no use of travelling to sri lanka and playing afghanistan , pakistan should not accept to play any cricket with afghanistan on neutral venues.

It's Afghanistan's home series. The PCB can either play it in Afghanistan, which I'm sure they don't want to do, in India, where Afghanistan have played home games in the past but the PCB would refuse for obvious reasons, or they can play at a neutral venue like Sri Lanka or the UAE. Now if it was a home series for Pakistan then playing it on a neutral venue would be unacceptable.
 
Frankly think it was time wasting on their end. Either you wanna play us or not, just be straight forward with us.

The fact its a postponement rather than a cancellation I think still means they want to play us. However, I agree we can't get into a habit of playing minnows on a regular basis.
 
The fact its a postponement rather than a cancellation I think still means they want to play us. However, I agree we can't get into a habit of playing minnows on a regular basis.

I mean the other thing is bhai, we can't keep having people to advantage of our good nature. Pakistan has always been about comprise (some may disagree) when it comes to playing other nations e.g. cancelling one test for WI, cancelling a t20 for WI and briefly postponing our tour for WI (just a few examples).

However, i find it disrespectful for us to be ignored when we offer Afg to play us in Pak. We have supported Afg through and through whether that be Inzi being their batting coach/head coach and providing facilities in Pakistan for them to practise. They'll all or most of them will have a Peshawar background i can guarantee.
 
Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO Hamid Shinwari said the Taliban has been generously supporting cricket development since its inception and he doesn't see any impediments for the sport in the country even after the regime change.

Afghanistan is experiencing a crisis situation as the Taliban took over the country, forcing President Ashraf Ghani to flee. While millions have been affected, questions were raised over the future of Afghanistan cricket, which has been on the upswing. Afghanistan cricketers have gone to become global stars and the likes of Rashid Khan have often stressed how cricket bring joy and relief to the strife-torn nation.

Speaking to India Today Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, ACB CEO Shinwari said cricketing activities will resume with normalcy under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

"It is great to say the Taliban has been generously supporting cricket development in the country even since its inception. So far, I haven't seen any impediments to cricket development in the country. They have been supportive," Shinwari told India Today.

Rubbishing reports that the Taliban troubled the ACB during the regime change, Shinwari said Afghanistan stars are not worried about the regime change.

"It was a plain rumour. We haven't experienced such an issue. They supported us even during the regime changes. I must thank them because we have been able to protect our property.

"No, I don't see any worries there (Affecting future of star players). Their focus is on the game. They were even happy to join the cricket team to play against Pakistan which we considered a vital series for the country. I don't see any issue for the cricketers," he added.

Shedding light on the postponed series against Afghanistan, Shinwari said Afghanistan players were prepared to face Pakistan in Sri Lanka but it was not able to get underway due to the latest developments in the country.

"We wanted to play the series in Sri Lanka. Let me thank the Sri Lankan government and the president of Sri Lanka for generously supporting Afghanistan cricket. But due to the latest development in the country, we were not able to hold the series despite the fact that we had very good preparation," he said.

"Due to the regime change, we were not able to fly. Then Pakistan offered us to play in Pakistan. But after discussing with the players, they said we would like to postpone the series to a later window."

Notably, the Taliban met with cricketers and administrators of the Afghanistan men's national team and assured support earlier this month. The Taliban said Afghans started playing cricket when they ruled previously and that they will support the sport going forward.

Anas Haqqani, a member of the Taliban's political office and negotiating team, made the remarks during a meeting with members of the national cricket team.

On Sunday, Azizullah Fazli was appointed as the acting chairman of the ACB, their first appointment since Taliban took over

https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cr...ays-acb-ceo-hamid-shinwari-1845350-2021-08-25
 
Honestly, the right decision. I was in no mood to see Pakistan lose an ODI series to Afghanistan.

Zindagi main waisaye bohat dukh hain...
 
Lol. Have some confidence in our lads buddy. They are not that bad.

Sorry but without Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen and Hasan, I have no confidence in this team. And nothing against the other players but I'm just a realist.
 
Can't imagine the PCB is best pleased with ACB but they are trying to keep things civil with them.
 
Can't imagine the PCB is best pleased with ACB but they are trying to keep things civil with them.

I am glad the PCB are keeping quiet rather than picking any more fights. There are already enough boards which are unfavourable to Pakistan.

In another era maybe we could have acted a little diva to ACB over this episode. But right now, Pakistan need any relations with any relevant cricket board that we can get.
 
Sorry but without Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen and Hasan, I have no confidence in this team. And nothing against the other players but I'm just a realist.
We can absolutely 1000% crush Afghanistan team without these 4 players. The following XI could have most likely played:

1. Sharjeel Khan
2. Imam-ul-Haq
3. Sohaib Maqsood
4. Saud Shakeel
5. Fakhar Zaman
6. Sarfaraz Ahmed
7. Shadab Khan
8. Imad Wasim
9. Haris Rauf
10. Mohammad Hasnain
11. Arshad Iqbal
 
We can absolutely 1000% crush Afghanistan team without these 4 players. The following XI could have most likely played:

1. Sharjeel Khan
2. Imam-ul-Haq
3. Sohaib Maqsood
4. Saud Shakeel
5. Fakhar Zaman
6. Sarfaraz Ahmed
7. Shadab Khan
8. Imad Wasim
9. Haris Rauf
10. Mohammad Hasnain
11. Arshad Iqbal

- Sharjeel would bottle it against their spinners, Afg spinners like Mujeeb weren't born yesterday
- Imam would do well but he's a slow coach in that opening powerplay
- Moqsood like him but too brave for his own good
- Saud looks good
- Fakhar is not a middle order batsman and his rhythm in my view is being broken
- Sarfraz seriously? Why not just award the match to Afg
- Shadab agreed
- Imad agreed
- Rauf is just trash
- Hasnain brilliant kid love'em
- Iqbal love'em as an upcoming talent
 
We can absolutely 1000% crush Afghanistan team without these 4 players. The following XI could have most likely played:

1. Sharjeel Khan
2. Imam-ul-Haq
3. Sohaib Maqsood
4. Saud Shakeel
5. Fakhar Zaman
6. Sarfaraz Ahmed
7. Shadab Khan
8. Imad Wasim
9. Haris Rauf
10. Mohammad Hasnain
11. Arshad Iqbal

Haider ali might have made it into the squad batting at 4 with saud at 3


Abdullah Shafique
Fakhar Zaman/imaam
Saud shakeel
Haider ali
Rohail Nazir but I expect sarfraz to play
Shaoib Maqsood or anyone else
Shadab
Imad
Wasim Jnr
Husnain
Arshad Iqbal
 
As Taliban have not banned the cricket then what's the issue?. Is it possible that there is uncertainty regarding availability of Afghan players and some of them might be thinking about running away from the country?
 
As Taliban have not banned the cricket then what's the issue?. Is it possible that there is uncertainty regarding availability of Afghan players and some of them might be thinking about running away from the country?

Logistics could be the issue, so its understandable
 
Newly appointed Afghanistan cricket chairman Azizullah Fazli said on Wednesday he would visit Pakistan later this week to invite the side for a one-day series.

The war-torn nation has steadily risen in international cricket over the past few years, with stars such as the world's top spinner Rashid Khan, but there have been calls for a boycott of the men's team after the Taliban's takeover last month.

The change of government has called into question the future of Afghanistan's participation in Test matches, as under International Cricket Council regulations, nations must also have an active women's team.

The Taliban are yet to announce a policy on women playing sport, but a senior official has said it would be “not necessary”.

Avoiding commenting on the latest developments, Fazli said he planned to visit other regional cricketing powers.

“I am taking a tour of Pakistan from September 25 and then will go to India, Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates to meet officials of cricket boards,” he told AFP over the phone from Kabul.

Fazli said he would meet new Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja, “and offer to host Pakistan for the series which we were due to play in Sri Lanka in September”.

The three-match one-day series between Pakistan and Afghanistan was cancelled over logistical problems and a Covid-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka. It was part of a one-day league which is a qualification process for the 2023 World Cup.

Read more: Pakistan-Afghanistan ODI series postponed until next year

“We are seeking to improve Afghanistan cricket so that will come with cooperation from other countries,” Fazli added.

Raja confirmed Fazli would visit Pakistan.

Fazli, in his second term as chairman after serving the board from September 2018 to July 2019, said he was committed to improving facilities in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan are in Group 2 of the Super 12 stages of the Twenty20 World Cup due to start from October 17 in the UAE.

Australia has threatened to cancel a Test match with Afghanistan in Brisbane in November unless the Taliban allow women to play cricket.

The new rulers on Tuesday sacked Hamid Shinwari as Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive, replacing him with Naseeb Zadran Khan, linked to the Haqqani network, which is responsible for some of the worst attacks in the country's history.
 
Last edited:
No we should absolutely not tour any country until they tour us. Full stop!!!
 
that's what it says.
Wonder do they have the infrastructure and is it safe for Pakistani players?

This is getting spicy. Wonder if the Taliban would take offence if Pakistan refuses to tour Afghanistan citing security concerns and what if the Taliban demand they won't let Afghanistan tour Pakistan until Pak tour them.

They do have cricket grounds, but security is different matter. I did speculate (in a tongue in cheek manner) when the Taliban were fighting the Afghan army that Pakistan could be the first international team to play a cricket match in Afghanistan once the Taliban regime comes to power, but this increasingly looks like coming to reality.
 
I guess security issues come into play here.

Will Pakistan want to be in Afghanistan at this moment in time.
 
Pakistan should send a security team to assess the situation and the Pakistan team should go there and play cricket there. It will show to the rest of the world that what "word/commitment" means to Pakistan.
 
Situation in Afghanistan is still not very stable, let Afghanistan become stabilized and we shall see after six months or so.

For now, why can't a series of 3 Odis and 3 T20s between the two teams be organized in Pakistan instead ? Afghanistan can be replacement for the matches against NZ/England, atleast that way Pakistan will get some match practise that is better than nothing and crowds will get to witness some Cricket at home.
 
Put your money where your mouth is

Go and play in Afghanistan
 
Afghanistan is a good team, they could win the T20 World Cup ... you heard it here first ... remember this post 2021-09-22
 
Is Pakistan a genuine target in Afghanistan?

Most probably yes


Can the Taliban provide our players security?

Most probably yes
 
No we should absolutely not tour any country until they tour us. Full stop!!!

Watch this space for the brotherhood fanatics who will support touring Afghanistan as they are our "Muslim brothers" and we should "support our neighbours"
 
AFG vs PAK | Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Azizullah Fazli to meet Ramiz Raja to organize white-ball bilateral series

Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Azizullah Fazli will meet his Pakistani counterpart Ramiz Raja on Sunday in Lahore to explore the options for a white-ball series. Afghanistan was due to host Pakistan in Sri Lanka in early September but the series was cancelled after the Taliban takeover.

Pakistan has never played a bilateral series against Afghanistan and the two were supposed to play their first bilateral ODI series in Sri Lanka. However, the series cancelled after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. A report in the Indian Express asserted that a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Fazli will be in Lahore to meet with Raja.

“Fazli is expected to ask the PCB to send its team for a one-day series this year,” the source said, reported Indian Express.

The International Cricket Council has said it is considering banning Afghanistan from participating in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021 if the Taliban government does not allow women to take part in cricket activities. A number of Afghanistan’s women footballers and cricketers have moved to other countries when the Taliban took over Kabul, fearing a backlash from the radical group.

The source conceded that the Pakistan Cricket Board would find it hard to take a final decision on Fazli’s invitation as the Pakistan government is yet to recognise the Taliban government.

“It is a dicey situation at the moment although Pakistan is clearly short on international cricket after the way New Zealand abandoned their series in Pakistan and returned home and after the England board also called off their tour to the country.

"Add to the postponed series by Afghanistan and there is no doubt that Pakistan desperately needs international matches but, given the status of the Taliban government, the PCB faces a difficult decision,” the source said.

Afghanistan will play Pakistan in the T20 World Cup on October 29 in Dubai.

https://sportscafe.in/cricket/articles/2021/sep/25/afg-vs-pak-afghanistan-cricket-board-chairman-azizullah-fazli-to-meet-ramiz-raja-to-organize-white-ball-bilateral-series
 
Great. Pakistan government wants every other country to recognise Taliban but they are not yet sure and themselves. Talk about conviction or lack of it lol
 
KABUL: Afghanistan will host Pakistan for a three-match One-day International series in 2023, according to the Future Tours Programme (FTP) announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Tuesday.

The series will take place in February-March, however the exact schedule will be released later.

“A total number of 11 ODIs, four T20Is and two Test series have been included in Afghanistan schedule for the upcoming two years. These series are scheduled on home and away basis, among which Afghanistan will play 18 home and 34 away matches, apart from participating in the Asia Cup 2022, ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC World Cup 2023,” a press release issued by the ACB said.

The ACB also stated that the team’s focus will be on playing limited-overs match due to the fact that major ICC events are scheduled for the next two years.

“If we bifurcate the tally into limited-overs cricket and the Test format, it clearly shows that Afghanistan’s focus will be on the shorter formats of the game. Consi*dering the fact that Afghan*istan will be playing seven ODI series in the ICC World Cup Super League, as well as participate in four major limited-overs events, such as the 2022 T20 Asia Cup (T20), 2022 T20 World Cup, 2023 ODI Asia Cup, and the 2023 World Cup,” the press release added.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2021
 
Back
Top