Afghan Cricketers Killed in Pakistani Airstrike: Afghanistan Withdraws from Tri-Nation Series

Following the attack, Afghanistan pulled out of a tri-nation series with Pakistan

Kabul:

At least three Afghanistani cricketers have been killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) stated that the players had traveled from Urgun to Sharana in the eastern Paktika province on the Pakistan border to participate in a friendly match.

The ACB identified the three players as "Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon" and reported that five other individuals also lost their lives in the attack.

The board mentioned that "after returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering" in what they described as "a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime". No further details about the attack were provided by the ACB.

In response to the incident, Afghanistan withdrew from a scheduled tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month "as a gesture of respect to the victims".

Statement of CondolenceThe 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.In…

"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," ABC stated in a post on X.

Cricketers Mourn Deaths

Afghanistan's T-20 team captain, Rashid Khan, condemned the recent attacks and supported ABC's decision to withdraw from the friendly series.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage," he expressed in a post on X.

Khan described the targeting of civilian infrastructure as absolutely immoral and barbaric, stating that such "unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed."

"In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB's decision of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time, our national dignity must come before all else," he added.

Mohammad Nabi, another international player, remarked, "This incident is not only a tragedy for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket family and the nation as a whole."

Afghan international cricketer Fazalhaq Farooqi wrote on Facebook, "The massacre of innocent civilians and our domestic cricket players by these oppressors is a heinous, unforgivable crime."

Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Clashes

According to Afghan media, Pakistan conducted multiple airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktika province on Friday, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement between the two neighboring countries.

Citing sources, Afghanistan's Tolo News reported that airstrikes targeted residential areas in the Urgun and Barmal districts, resulting in significant civilian casualties.

These deadly strikes occurred during a 48-hour ceasefire agreement between the two nations following days of intense cross-border clashes.

Previously, Pakistan had requested an extension of the ceasefire until the conclusion of the ongoing Doha negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and preventing cross-border violence. Kabul reportedly agreed to the proposal, extending the truce until the conclusion of the ongoing talks in Doha. Negotiations between the two sides are scheduled to begin on Saturday.