KABUL (Afghanistan): The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday announced its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following the killing of three Afghan cricketers in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province.
According to a statement issued by the board, the tragic incident occurred in the Urgun district of Paktika on Friday evening, when Pakistani air raids struck residential areas, killing eight people, including three cricketers identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, and injuring seven others.
The ACB described the attack as a “cowardly act” carried out by the Pakistani regime, and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, terming it a huge blow to Afghanistan’s sports community and cricketing family.
Cricketers among victims of deadly airstrike
The board’s statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), read: “The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.”
The ACB confirmed that the players had earlier travelled to Sharana, the provincial capital, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home, they were targeted during a local gathering, resulting in multiple casualties.
“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 statement added.
The board extended condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Paktika, calling the incident a “great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family.”
ACB announces withdrawal from Tri-Nation T20I series
In response to the tragedy, the ACB said it would boycott the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series scheduled for late November, which was to feature Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
“As a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan,” the statement read.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, following recent cross-border clashes and violations of a temporary ceasefire.
The ACB concluded with a prayer for the deceased, stating: “May Allah (SWT) grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah, bless the injured with a speedy recovery, and grant their families patience, reward, and strength during this time of immense grief.”
Pakistan’s airstrikes breach ceasefire agreement
According to Tolo News, Pakistan conducted a series of airstrikes in Paktika’s Urgun and Barmal districts, causing significant civilian casualties. The attack reportedly violated a 48-hour ceasefire between the two nations, agreed upon following several days of intense cross-border clashes.
Sources told Tolo News that Pakistan requested an extension of the ceasefire until the end of ongoing Doha negotiations, aimed at de-escalating tensions. The temporary truce was reportedly extended at Islamabad’s request until the talks conclude.
On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office had announced that both sides had agreed to a temporary 48-hour ceasefire beginning at 6 pm that day, with the aim of finding a “positive solution” through constructive dialogue.
Rising cross-border tensions and sporting fallout
The incident marks one of the deadliest escalations between Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent months, with the airstrike drawing condemnation from Afghan authorities and civil groups.
The withdrawal from the cricket series underscores how political and military tensions are beginning to affect bilateral sports relations, particularly cricket — a sport that has long served as a bridge between the two countries.
The ACB’s move has received widespread support on Afghan social media platforms, with many calling it a “principled stand against aggression.”
As of Saturday, the Doha peace talks between Afghan and Pakistani representatives were still scheduled to proceed, though analysts fear the latest developments could strain diplomatic channels further.