“The ACB hereby cancel all kinds of cricket matches and initial mutual relationship agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board”

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Afghanistan have called off their T20 friendly series against Pakistan in the wake of a suicide bombing in Kabul on Wednesday, which left 90 people dead and more than 400 injured.

Afghanistan were supposed to face Pakistan in Kabul and Lahore in July and August.

“By killing innocent and destitute people today, the enemies of Afghanistan’s peace and stability showed that they are not worthy of friendship and will not change their stance against Afghans,” a statement released by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said. “In light of the findings of security services and calls by the Afghan nation, the ACB hereby cancel all kinds of cricket matches and initial mutual relationship agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“No agreement of friendly matches and mutual relationship agreement is possible with a country where terrorists are housed and provided safe havens.”

Given that the bombing was one of the deadliest to hit Kabul in years, it remains to be seen whether this will affect the Shpageeza T20 League, which is Afghanistan’s domestic Twenty20 competition.

Numerous Pakistan players, including Babar Azam, Umar Akmal and Sohail Tanvir, were snapped up at the auction, but their participation in the event may now be in jeopardy.