KARACHI: The first-ever bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been postponed until next year over logistic and multiple issues, both boards decided on Tuesday.
“Pakistan has accepted Afghanistan Board’s request to postpone next month’s ODI series due to players’ mental health issues, disruption in flight operations in Kabul and other issues,” Pakistan Cricket Board said.
The series — Afghanistan’s home series — due to be played in Sri Lankan port city of Hambantota was also hit by increased Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka where a ten-day lockdown was announced on Saturday.
“There were a lack of broadcast facilities which was also a hurdle and both the boards will try to reschedule the series in 2022.”
The three-match series was part of One-day Super League, a qualification process for the 2023 World Cup (50 overs) to be held in India.
Since the Taliban take over of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of USA and NATO forces and the collapse of the elected government there was a flight disruption in Kabul.
Afghanistan had also tried to move the series to Pakistan, but even that was not viable which finally prompted the two Boards to postpone the series.
International players have also found it hard to cope with the Covid-19 situation since last year as they have to live under bio-secure bubble conditions, causing them mental issues.
Considering that, Pakistan had decided to rest its key players including skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali for the Afghanistan series.
Afghanistan had last month announced a 17-man squad for the series including their star leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
Pakistan-Afghanistan ODI series postponed until next year
https://arab.news/8aqra
Pakistan-Afghanistan ODI series postponed until next year
- Pakistan has accepted Afghanistan Board's request to postpone series due to players' mental health, other issues
- Three-match series was part of One-day Super League, a qualification process for the 2023 World Cup
Newcastle pounce on PSV errors to boost Champions League last-16 bid
- Victory for the Magpies was soured by an ankle injury to captain Bruno Guimaraes
- PSV are romping toward another Eredivisie title with a 16-point lead at the top of the table
NEWCASTLE: Newcastle climbed into position to reach the Champions League last 16 by punishing PSV Eindhoven’s defensive blunders for a 3-0 win at St. James’ Park on Wednesday.
Yoane Wissa, on his first Champions League start, and Anthony Gordon struck inside the opening half an hour after the Dutch champions played themselves into trouble.
Harvey Barnes rounded off the scoring for his fifth goal in as many games just after the hour mark.
“I thought it was one of our best individual performances from a lot of the players for a while,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Victory for the Magpies was soured by an ankle injury to captain Bruno Guimaraes that forced the Brazilian off just before half-time.
Guimaraes could be a big miss for when Howe’s men make the daunting trip to Paris Saint-Germain next week in the final round of league phase fixtures, hoping to secure a top-eight finish.
Newcastle sit in the top eight only on goal difference and will likely need to beat the holders on home soil to avoid the play-off round.
Wissa rewarded Howe’s faith for starting him ahead of Nick Woltemade up front with a goal and an assist on what the DR Congo international described as a “special night.”
Signed from Brentford in September, Wissa spent the majority of his career in the lower tiers of French and English football.
“Honestly, unbelievable. That’s why I joined the club... I almost cried,” said Wissa on hearing the Champions League anthem for the first time on the pitch.
“Very emotional. 29 years old, I never believed to be here and so now I’m enjoying every single minute.”
Wissa swept in his first goal in European competition from Joelinton’s pass after a poor clearance by PSV goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
PSV are romping toward another Eredivisie title with a 16-point lead at the top of the table.
Peter Bosz’s men won 4-1 away at Liverpool and hit Napoli for six earlier in the league phase, but are still at risk of missing out on a place in the top 24, which would secure progress to the play-off round.
The visitors were architects of their own downfall again for the second when Yarek Gasiorowski’s underhit backpass allowed Wissa to square for Gordon to roll into an empty net.
The England international now has six goals in the Champions League this season, behind only Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane in the battle to be the competition’s top goalscorer.
However, a fine half for the home side ended badly when Guimaraes needed lengthy treatment after colliding with Kovar at a corner and was eventually replaced.
Howe’s options in midfield and defense were already depleted by a lengthy injury list amid a gruelling schedule with Newcastle still alive in four competitions.
However, up front he is spoiled for choice with Barnes in fine form since the turn of the year.
The 28-year-old burst through the static PSV defense to fire in his 12th goal of the season 25 minutes from time.
Saudi-backed Newcastle are one of five Premier League teams among the top eight as it stands as the English sides flex their financial muscle in Europe’s elite competition.
But they will have to finish the job against another of the continent’s wealthiest clubs when they travel to Qatari-owned PSG, aiming to deny the holders direct qualification for the last 16.
