Doubts over Pakistan-Afghanistan cricket sequence after Taliban takeover

No official was capable of assure, nonetheless, that the three Twenty20 matches would begin on September 1 after the Taliban swept to energy.

The workforce are additionally scheduled to play within the T20 World Cup within the United Arab Emirates in October which may additionally now be doubtful.

The Taliban authorities that dominated Afghanistan from 1996 till 2001 frowned upon organised sport.

Star spin bowler and T20 captain Rashid Khan and all rounder Mohammad Nabi are at the moment taking part in The Hundred event in England. Each made pleas for peace of their nation earlier than the Taliban takeover.

However most different nationwide gamers are in Afghanistan.

“Efforts are being made to examine their whereabouts,” stated a world cricket official, talking on situation of anonymity.

Sri Lanka’s cricket board stated it was nonetheless hoping to host Afghanistan and Pakistan for the three matches in an empty stadium at Hambantota.

The sequence was initially to be held in Dubai however was shifted to Sri Lanka as a result of it clashed with the Indian Premier League which additionally begins in September within the UAE.

“We’ve advised them that we’re able to host the event,” Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan de Silva advised AFP. “All of the preparations are underway.”

“However, given the present scenario in Kabul, we do not know if they’ll be capable to go forward. We’re awaiting a response from them.” De Silva stated that due to coronavirus precautions, the 2 groups ought to be in Sri Lanka by subsequent week to start the matches in September.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board web site stated its nationwide squad met high officers on August 7 and had been advised that they’d be “rewarded handsomely” for a great efficiency in opposition to Pakistan.

In its assertion per week in the past, the board stated it had appointed former Australian quick bowler Shaun Tait because the nationwide workforce bowling coach.