New Delhi: Recent confilict between Pakistan and Afghanistan have stirred both sports and politics. An airstrike by Pakistan in Afghanistans Paktika province killed several people including three young Afghan cricketers. The deaths of these players sparked deep grief and outrage in Afghanistan. Following this the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) withdrew from the tri-series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka scheduled for November 17–29. However this had no impact on Pakistan. The PCB stated that the tri-series schedule will remain as before. The board is now contacting other teams to find a replacement for Afghanistan. Attack on Afghanistan and Its Impact The deaths of innocent civilians and three young cricketers in Pakistans airstrike have sparked deep grief and anger in Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated that the safety and dignity of the players are of paramount importance. Following this attack the board decided to withdraw from the tri-series. This decision made it clear that Afghanistan stands up for the rights of its team and players. The people and players of Afghanistan are deeply angered by Pakistans attitude. Social media and news reports condemned the attack stating that harming any country in the name of sport is unacceptable. Pakistans Insensitive Attitude Despite Afghanistans withdrawal the Pakistan Cricket Board clarified that the tri-series will continue as scheduled. The PCB has begun contacting other teams to include a replacement team for Afghanistan. Pakistans attitude demonstrates that political pressure and maintaining its reputation are more important to the board than the spirit of the game. Many cricket experts have also criticized this decision calling it insensitive. Preparations to Include New Teams The PCB is now considering including Nepal and the UAE in place of Afghanistan. However the boards preference is to include a Test-playing nation. Beforehand Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for a three-match T20 series. The purpose of adding a new team is to continue the series without postponing it and to give spectators a chance to watch the matches. Clash of Sports and Politics This controversy has made it clear that sports and politics are deeply intertwined. The Afghanistan board and players have made it clear that they will not participate in any series with Pakistan until it changes its attitude. The impact of this controversy will not be limited to the tri-series. It could also have a long-term effect on Pakistans international image and regional relations. It is also a warning to the sports world that political tensions can impact sports. Story Highlights Three young Afghan cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike. Afghanistan withdrew from the tri-series. Pakistan is considering including new teams such as Nepal and the UAE. The clash of sports and politics has increased further deepening regional tensions.