Published: Jun 01, 2017, 09:17 AM (IST)
Edited: Jun 01, 2017, 09:21 AM (IST)
Kabul: In the wake of the latest Kabul attack, Afghanistan has cancelled friendly matches including initially agreed terms of mutual cricketing relationship with Pakistan. “@ACBofficials cancells friendly matches including initially agreed terms of mutual cricketing relationship with @TheRealPCB,” tweeted the Afghan Cricket Board (ACB). The Kabul blast on early Wednesday morning claimed more than 80 lives and injured hundreds. Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) claimed that the bombing was planned by the Haqqani network in Pakistan and had help from Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI.
Pakistan and Afghanistan were to play two Twenty20 International (T20I) matches and a bilateral series as well. Both sides were to hold two friendly T20 matches in Kabul and Lahore respectively. The T20I match in Kabul would have been the first ever international cricket match to be played in Afghanistan. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have encountered thrice in international cricket. Twice in ODIs and once in T20Is but none of them was played in either’s home venue. Moreover, Afghanistan have never won any match against Pakistan. The T20I at Lahore will be the first international match in Pakistan since 2015.
Tolo News reported that the blast was close to the Embassies of Germany and Iran and added that the explosion happened o 14th Street of the Wazir Akbar Khan diplomatic area of the city. Many foreign embassies are located in the area, including the American and Canadian missions.
The Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) has deployed its team in the area for rescue and counter-insurgency operations.
