Pakistan air strike kills 3 Afghan cricketers; Afghanistan pulls out of tri-series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following the deaths of three Afghan domestic cricketers in airstrikes allegedly conducted by Pakistan’s military in Paktika province.

In a statement shared on social media, the ACB condemned the strikes as “a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.” The board expressed grief over the loss of cricketers Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, along with five other civilians from Urgun District, while seven others were injured.

Afghanistan was scheduled to play in the tri-series in Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 5 to 29. Team captain Rashid Khan strongly condemned the strikes, calling them “barbaric” and a violation of human rights. He voiced support for the ACB’s decision, emphasizing that national dignity and the safety of civilians must come first.

The incident occurred amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan since October 11, when border clashes left dozens dead on both sides. A short-lived 48-hour ceasefire was broken after Pakistan allegedly carried out airstrikes in Argun and Bermal districts of Paktika province, hitting residential areas. The Taliban criticized the strikes, calling them a violation of the truce, while delegations from both countries were in Doha for talks to ease the crisis.

The ACB noted that the cricketers had traveled to Sharana, Paktika’s capital, for a friendly match and were targeted upon returning to Urgun. The board called the deaths a “great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family” and extended condolences to the families and residents of Paktika.

Rashid Khan added:
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. Innocent women, children, and aspiring young cricketers lost their lives. Targeting civilian infrastructure is immoral and barbaric. I fully support the ACB’s withdrawal from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan.”

Afghanistan’s withdrawal marks a setback for Pakistan’s efforts to revive international cricket at home. Relations between the two countries have been tense, with India already boycotting bilateral series with Pakistan, facing them only in multi-nation tournaments since 2012–13. The controversy in cricket was further highlighted during the Asia Cup, when Pakistani officials and players were involved in incidents reflecting cross-border tensions with India.

The ACB’s decision underscores the intertwining of regional security issues and international cricket, highlighting the sensitivity of sporting engagements amid geopolitical conflicts.