3 Afghan cricketers dead in Pakistan airstrike, Afghanistan withdraws from tri-nation T20 series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has withdrawn from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka following the deaths of three Afghan domestic cricketers in airstrikes reportedly carried out by Pakistan’s military in Paktika province.

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

Afghanistan had been scheduled to participate in the tri-series in Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 5 to 29. Team captain Rashid Khan denounced the airstrikes as “barbaric” and a violation of human rights, supporting the ACB’s decision to withdraw and emphasizing that national dignity and civilian safety come first.

Background of the Incident

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated on October 11, after Afghan forces reportedly attacked several Pakistani military posts, leading to clashes that killed dozens on both sides. A brief 48-hour ceasefire was later broken when Pakistan allegedly carried out airstrikes in Paktika’s Argun and Bermal districts, hitting residential areas. The Taliban criticized the strikes as a violation of the truce.

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

Rashid Khan said:
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives, including children and aspiring cricketers, in the recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan. Targeting civilian infrastructure is immoral and barbaric. I fully support the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan.”

Implications for Cricket

Afghanistan’s withdrawal is a setback for Pakistan’s efforts to revive international cricket at home. Cross-border tensions have also affected India-Pakistan cricket relations, with India boycotting bilateral series with Pakistan since 2012–13 and facing them only in multi-nation tournaments. Previous incidents, such as the Asia Cup, reflected the impact of geopolitical conflicts on sporting events.