Afghanistan Withdraws from Cricket Series After Airstrike Kills Players

Kabul, Afghanistan – The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Saturday that it will withdraw from a scheduled tri-nation T20 cricket series due to the tragic death of three local players in an airstrike. This decision comes as a response to the event that occurred on Friday, where the players were allegedly targeted in an attack by the Pakistani military.

The players, identified as Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were killed in Urgon district of Paktika province while they were having dinner after a local match. ACB officials noted that this incident represents a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community.

The airstrike resulted in eight fatalities, including civilians, according to the ACB. Witness accounts highlight that the strike occurred without warning, leading to widespread condemnation from Afghans and the international cricket community. Pakistan‘s government, however, stated that the operation targeted militants and denied the allegation of civilian casualties.

“We are deeply saddened and appalled by the tragic deaths of three young and promising Afghan cricketers,” said a statement from the International Cricket Council (ICC), which extended its condolences to the ACB. The statement also condemned the act of violence that claimed multiple lives, including those of innocent civilians.

In honor of the fallen players, Afghan national team captain Rashid Khan expressed his sorrow on social media, calling them aspiring cricketers who harbored dreams of representing Afghanistan on an international stage. Other players from the national side echoed this sentiment, with Fazalhaq Farooqi labeling the attack as a “heinous, unforgivable crime.”

As public mourning began, hundreds gathered for the victims’ funeral ceremonies. The airstrike came amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following days of clashes along their shared border that resulted in multiple casualties. A 48-hour ceasefire, which was established earlier in the week, has been extended to facilitate peace talks between the two nations.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged Pakistan to reassess its approach and seek diplomatic relations with Afghanistan. In parallel, peace negotiations are set to take place in Doha, where Afghanistan’s delegation will address critical issues surrounding cross-border terrorism and efforts to restore stability in the region.

Following Afghanistan’s withdrawal, Zimbabwe is expected to fill the vacancy in the upcoming T20 series.