Kabul, 18 October (H.S.): The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its withdrawal from an upcoming T20 tri-series in Pakistan after accusing the Pakistani military of killing three Afghan cricketers during an airstrike in Paktika province.The ACB stated that the players—identified as Kabir, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—were among five people killed and seven injured in the attack. The incident has sparked widespread anger and grief across Afghanistan. In a statement, the board expressed profound sorrow and grief over the tragic deaths of the brave cricketers from Paktika’s Urgun district, who were targeted in a Pakistani attack.
According to reports, the players were returning from the provincial capital, Sharana, after participating in a friendly cricket match.Afghanistan was scheduled to travel to Pakistan next month for the tri-series, which also included Sri Lanka and was set to be played in Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 5-29. The ACB described the attack as cowardly and inhuman, adding that the team could not participate in the tournament out of respect for the victims and in solidarity with the bereaved families.
Senior Afghan players, including captain Rashid Khan and former captain Mohammad Nabi, have also condemned the attack.The incident occurs amid escalating border tensions between the two nations. Pakistan has accused the Taliban-led government of sheltering Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, while Kabul has repeatedly condemned Pakistani airstrikes on its territory.
Reports indicate the recent strike targeted a hideout of militant commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur.Meanwhile, a high-level Taliban delegation, including Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob Mujahid and intelligence chief Mullah Abdul Haq Wasiq, arrived in Doha for peace talks with Pakistani officials. Diplomatic sources suggest the talks will focus on establishing a border communication mechanism to de-escalate armed confrontations along the Durand Line.
The Pakistani government and military have not yet issued a statement regarding the attack.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
