LAHORE: Former Pakistan Test all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has quit the Afghanistan’s T20 league and plans to return to Pakistan after a deadly suicide attack near a cricket stadium in Kabul.

According to officials, three people were killed and 12 wounded in the blast on Wednesday outside the Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground in Kabul where a Shpageeza Cricket League match being played between Boost Defenders and MIS Ainak Knights at the time was on a scheduled break and continued without delay.

Razzaq, who was the only Pakistan player featuring in the tournament, was at his hotel at the time of the blast and the hotel is just minutes drive from the site of the blast.

“I was watching a match on television when I heard a deafening blast. All the players were terrified,” Razzaq said. “I immediately decided to return to Pakistan, but the tour organisers persuaded me to play one more match.”

Shortly after the blast, the former Pakistan cricketer added, several players from England, South Africa and Zimbabwe participating in the league held a meeting and decided to leave Kabul.

The attacker detonated the bomb after he was stopped at a security checkpoint as he walked towards the stadium. Five other people were also injured in the explosion.

The league includes six teams and features 10-15 players from South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has ordered nine of its cricketers playing in the Afghan T20 league to return home following the suicide bombing.

Zimbabwe Cricket says the nine, which include Test players Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza and Richmond Mutumbami, are on their way home.

ZC revoked the no-objection certificates it issued to the players to allow them to go to Afghanistan. It says “ZC will not under any circumstances compromise on matters of player safety.”

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2017