Afghanistan Withdraws from Tri-Series with Pakistan After Killing of Players in Paktika
ACB blames “Pakistani regime” for attack that killed three players; Rashid Khan backs withdrawal as a mark of national dignity
KABUL, Oct 18: Afghanistan has withdrawn from the upcoming tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following the killing of three Afghan cricketers in what the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) described as a “cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.”
The T20I series was scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 17 to 29. However, in a strongly worded statement on Friday, the ACB announced its decision to pull out, expressing sorrow over the loss of the players and condemning the incident.
The board identified the victims as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were among several individuals killed when their vehicle was attacked after returning from a friendly match in Sharana, the provincial capital. Seven others were reportedly 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 ACB said in its statement.
Calling the incident a “great loss” to Afghanistan’s sporting community, the board added that its withdrawal from the tri-series was a gesture of respect to the victims and their families.
“In response to 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,” the statement read.
The ACB also offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, saying, “May Allah grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah and bless the injured with a speedy recovery.”
Reports from local sources suggest that Pakistani airstrikes were conducted in Argun and Barmal districts of Paktika province, leading to the deaths and effectively halting the fragile ceasefire between the two nations.
Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan strongly condemned the incident, calling it “immoral and barbaric.”
“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,” Rashid posted on X.
Backing the ACB’s move, he added, “In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. Our national dignity must come before all else.”
