3 Afghan cricketers killed in Pakistani airstrike; board pulls out of tri-series in protest

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on October 18 announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series in Pakistan after three domestic Afghan cricketers were reportedly killed in an airstrike allegedly carried out by the Pakistani military in Paktika province.

The ACB, in a statement posted on social media, condemned the strike as a “cowardly attack by the Pakistani regime” and confirmed the deaths of players Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, along with five other civilians from the Urgun district. Seven others were said to be injured.

“The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family,” the board said. “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 tri-series, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, was slated to be played in Lahore and Rawalpindi between November 5 and 29.

It is immoral and barbaric: Rashid Khan

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan issued a powerful statement condemning the attack, describing it as “barbaric” and “a grave violation of human rights.”

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan — a tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage,” Rashid said.
“These unjust and unlawful actions must not go unnoticed. Our national dignity must come before all else.”

Escalating border conflict

The deadly airstrike comes amid worsening hostilities along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. Clashes erupted on October 11 after Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani military posts, sparking retaliatory strikes by Islamabad in Paktika’s Argun and Bermal districts.

Despite a 48-hour ceasefire agreed upon earlier this week, Pakistan allegedly resumed aerial bombardments while delegations from both nations were in Doha for talks aimed at defusing the crisis. The Taliban government condemned the strikes as a blatant violation of the truce.

Blow to Pakistan’s cricket diplomacy

Afghanistan’s withdrawal delivers a fresh setback to Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to restore regular international cricket at home. The series would have been Afghanistan’s second visit this year, following the Champions Trophy under a hybrid model.

With India already refusing to engage in bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2012, the latest development further isolates Islamabad on the sporting front — a stark reminder that politics and warfare continue to shadow South Asia’s most beloved game.