Three Afghan Cricketers Killed in Pakistani Airstrike
Kabul: At least three Afghan cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan‘s Paktika province, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed. The incident of Afghan cricketers killed by the Pakistan airstrike has shocked the community. Meanwhile, the players had traveled from Urgun to Sharana, near the Pakistan border, to participate in a friendly cricket match.
Victims Identified: Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon
The ACB identified the deceased players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, adding that five other civilians also lost their lives in the strike. The tragic loss of Afghan cricketers killed in the Pakistan airstrike drew international attention.
“In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon), alongside five other fellow countrymen from Urgun District, were martyred, and seven others were injured,” the ACB said. Furthermore, the players had earlier travelled to Sharana for the match and were targeted upon returning home.
ACB Expresses Deep Sorrow and Solidarity
Describing the strike as a devastating blow to Afghanistan’s sports community, the ACB expressed “deep sorrow and solidarity” with the bereaved families and people of Paktika. The news of Afghan cricketers killed by the Pakistan airstrike has left a void in the hearts of many.
“The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family,” it added, meanwhile extending condolences to the bereaved families.
Afghanistan Withdraws from Upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series
As a result of the tragedy, the ACB announced its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled for late November, as a mark of respect for the victims.
“In response to this tragic incident, and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the ACB has therefore decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming series,” it said.
Rashid Khan Condemns Airstrikes and Supports ACB Decision
Afghanistan’s T20 captain, Rashid Khan, strongly condemned the airstrikes.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes — a tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers,” he wrote on X.
Furthermore, Khan called the attacks “immoral and barbaric” and described them as a grave violation of human rights. He additionally supported ACB’s decision to withdraw, emphasizing that national dignity must come before all else.
Tensions Rise Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Pakistan carried out multiple airstrikes in Paktika province on Friday. Consequently, Kabul accused Islamabad of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
–IANS
