LAHORE – Former Test all-rounder Abdul Razzaq plans to return to Pakistan after he quit the Afghanistan’s T20 league days after a deadly suicide attack near a cricket stadium in Kabul.
Three people were killed and 12 wounded in Wednesday’s blast outside the Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground where a Shpageeza Cricket League match being played between Boost Defenders and MIS Ainak Knights at the time was on a scheduled break and continued without delay.
The league includes six teams and features 10-15 players from South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
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Razzaq, the only Pakistan player featuring in the tournament, was at his hotel at the time of the blast. The hotel is just few minutes’ drive from the site of the blast.
“I was watching a match on television when I heard a deafening blast. All the players were terrified,” Razzaq said. “I immediately decided to return to Pakistan, but the tour organisers persuaded me to play one more match.”
Shortly after the blast, the former Pakistan cricketer added, several players from England, South Africa and Zimbabwe participating in the league held a meeting and decided to leave Kabul.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has ordered nine of its cricketers playing in the Afghan T20 league to return home following the suicide bombing, according to Dawn News.
Zimbabwe Cricket says the nine, which include Test players Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza and Richmond Mutumbami, are on their way home.
