Afghanistan Withdraws from Tri-Series After Cricketers Killed in Pakistani Airstrike

In a surprising turn of events, Afghanistan has pulled out of the upcoming tri-nation cricket series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which was set to take place next month. The decision comes after three Afghan cricketers were killed in Pakistani airstrikes, a tragedy that has deeply shocked the country.

According to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the players had travelled from Urgun to Sharana in the eastern province of Paktika, near the border with Pakistan, to take part in a friendly cricket match. On their way back to Urgun, their lives were cut short in what the ACB called a “cowardly attack” by the Pakistani forces.

Afghanistan Withdraws from Tri-Nation Series After Deadly Attack on Cricketers

The board named the fallen players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. It also confirmed that five other people lost their lives in the same strike.

This heartbreaking incident has not only led Afghanistan to withdraw from the series, but has also sparked anger and sorrow across the nation.

"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," ACB wrote on X.

"In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon) alongside 5 other fellow countrymen from Urgun District were martyred, and seven others were injured. The players had earlier traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering.

"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.

"In response of 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, scheduled to be played in late November.

"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," read the statement.

Rashid Khan Condemns Civilian Attacks, Backs ACB’s Withdrawal from Tri-Series

Rashid Khan strongly condemned Pakistan for the brutal attack on civilians and said he supports the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s decision to withdraw from the Tri-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.

"It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These 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 to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time, our national dignity must come before all else," he wrote on X.

ALSO SEE: Suryakumar Yadav Opens Up About Fear of Losing T20I Captaincy to Shubman Gill