At least three Afghan cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province, Afghanistan. According to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the players had traveled from Urgun district to Sharana city to participate in a friendly match.
The ACB identified the deceased as Kabir, Sibgatullah, and Haroon. The attack also claimed the lives of five other civilians. In a statement, the board said, “After returning to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering. This was a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani government.”
Expressing deep grief, the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced it would withdraw from the upcoming triangular series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled for next month. “The tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers of Urgun district is a moment of deep sorrow for the Afghanistan Cricket Board. In honor of the deceased, we have decided not to participate in the upcoming series,” the statement said.
Afghanistan T20 captain Rashid Khan condemned the attack on social media: “Many women, children, and young cricketers lost their lives in Pakistan’s recent airstrikes. Those who dreamed of representing our country on the global stage—their deaths are an irreparable loss for all of us.”
He added, “Attacks on civilian areas are completely unethical and constitute a human rights violation. Such unjust aggression demands international condemnation.” Rashid also expressed support for the ACB’s decision, stating, “Given the loss of innocent lives, I welcome the decision to withdraw from matches against Pakistan. In these difficult times, our national dignity must come first.”
Another international cricketer, Mohammad Nabi, said, “This tragedy affects not only Paktika but the entire Afghan cricket family and the nation.” Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi posted on Facebook: “The massacre of innocent civilians and domestic cricketers is a heinous and unforgivable crime.”
According to Afghan media, Pakistan carried out successive airstrikes in Paktika province on Friday. The Afghan government stated that these attacks violated the recently established temporary ceasefire between the two countries.
Reports from Tolo News indicate that residential areas in Urgun and Barmal districts were targeted, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.
The deadly attacks occurred while a 48-hour ceasefire was in effect. Pakistan had proposed extending the ceasefire until the ongoing Doha dialogue concluded, a proposal Kabul reportedly accepted. The dialogue between the two sides is scheduled to begin in Doha on Saturday.
