LAHORE: Afghanistan’s ODI series against Pakistan scheduled for the Sri Lankan town of Hambantota next month has been postponed until next year, the cricket boards of both countries mutually announced late on Monday.

“The PCB and Afghan­istan Cricket Board have mutually agreed to postpone next month’s three-ODI series, which was scheduled in Hambantota. The two boards have agreed that the series, which was planned from Sept 1 to 8 will be rescheduled for 2022,” the PCB stated in a media release. “The ACB had contacted the PCB late on Monday evening, requesting to postpone the series to 2022 while citing disruption of flight operations in Kabul, rising Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka, mental health of their players and non-availability of broadcast equipment.”

PCB Director International Zakir Khan said: “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 in 2022.

“The PCB historically enjoys 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.”

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2021