Afghanistan Withdraws from Tri-Nation T20 Series with Pakistan After Killing of Players in Paktika
KABUL: Afghanistan has pulled out of the upcoming tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following the killing of three Afghan cricketers in what it described as a “cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime,” the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced.
The series was scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 17 to 29.
In a strongly worded statement, the ACB said it was “deeply saddened” by the deaths of cricketers Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, who were among eight people from Urgun District in Paktika Province attacked after returning from a friendly match in Sharana, the provincial capital. Seven others were injured in the assault.
“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,” the statement read.
Calling the loss a “great tragedy for Afghanistan’s sporting community,” the ACB extended its condolences to the bereaved families and residents of Paktika Province.
The board said its decision to withdraw from the tournament was made “as a gesture of respect to the victims.”
“In response to this tragic incident and as a mark of respect, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan,” the statement added.
“May Allah grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah and bless the injured with a speedy recovery.”
Reports indicate that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in the Argun and Barmal districts of Paktika Province, effectively ending a ceasefire between the two nations.
Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan condemned the attack, saying he was “deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan.”
“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,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“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,” Rashid added.
