KABUL, Oct 18 — Afghanistan on Saturday withdrew from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I cricket series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following the deaths of three Afghan cricketers in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that the players — Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — were among eight people killed when Pakistani aircraft struck the Urgun district of southeastern Paktika late Friday. Seven others were reported injured.
In a statement posted on X, the board said it was “deeply saddened” by the attack, calling it a “cowardly strike carried out by the Pakistani regime.” The ACB identified the victims as local athletes who had returned home to Urgun after playing a friendly cricket match in Sharana, the provincial capital.
“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,” the board noted.
According to the statement, the players had gathered with residents after returning from their match when the strike hit. “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.
Describing the deaths as a “great loss” for the nation’s sporting community, the board extended condolences to the victims’ families and residents of Paktika. “The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. The ACB also extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families of the martyrs and to the people of Paktika Province,” it mentioned.
As a mark of respect, the ACB announced its decision to withdraw from the Tri-Nation T20I series scheduled for late November. “In response to this tragic incident and 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 message concluded with prayers for the deceased and wishes for the recovery of the injured. “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,” the board added.
The Pakistani airstrikes reportedly hit residential areas in the Urgun and Barmal districts, breaching a recently agreed ceasefire between the two countries. Tolo News cited sources saying that several civilians were killed in the attacks, which took place despite a 48-hour truce brokered earlier in the week.
Islamabad had earlier called for extending the ceasefire until the completion of Doha-based negotiations aimed at easing cross-border tensions. The talks were expected to begin Saturday, following days of heavy clashes along the border.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office had announced on Wednesday that a temporary ceasefire had been reached with Afghanistan after several days of intense exchanges between the two sides.
