In a tragic turn of events, three Afghan cricketers were killed in Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Paktika province, near the border area. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the deaths and announced its withdrawal from all upcoming tournaments involving Pakistan.
According to reports from Times of India and Hindustan Times, the players — Kabir, Sabghatullah, and Haroon — were participating in a local friendly match before being caught in the aerial attack. The devastating incident has sent shockwaves across the global cricket community.
ACB’s Strong Response
The ACB issued a strong statement condemning the attacks, calling them “a brutal and inhumane act that violates international norms.” The board declared that Afghanistan would not participate in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20 Series scheduled with Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
ACB Chairman said, “We cannot play cricket with a country responsible for killing our young players. Sports cannot continue under the shadow of violence.”
Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi Express Outrage
Afghan cricket captain Rashid Khan expressed deep sorrow, labeling the attack a “heinous crime against humanity.” Former captain Mohammad Nabi called it “a cowardly act” and said the incident has left the nation in grief.
Both players demanded justice and urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take immediate notice of the tragedy.
Pakistan’s Response and ICC’s Concern
The Pakistan government claimed that the airstrikes targeted militant hideouts, not civilians. However, Afghan officials rejected this explanation, stating the strikes violated a temporary ceasefire agreement.
The ICC has reportedly begun discussions with both boards, with uncertainty now looming over future Pakistan-Afghanistan fixtures.
Global Reaction
The incident sparked outrage among fans and officials worldwide. Many international cricketers expressed condolences on social media, calling for peace between the two nations.
Sports analysts say the decision by ACB marks one of the most significant political statements in cricket history, symbolizing the growing tension between Kabul and Islamabad.
