In a tragic turn of events, at least three Afghan cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province, according to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). The players, identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, had traveled from Urgun to Sharana to participate in a friendly match when the attack occurred. The airstrike also claimed the lives of five other individuals, further deepening the tragedy.
The ACB condemned the assault, describing it as a “cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.” The precise details surrounding the incident remain scarce. In the aftermath of this violence, Afghanistan has withdrawn from a tri-nation series scheduled to include Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month, as a mark of respect for the victims.
Expressing profound sorrow, the ACB released a statement on social media, saying, “The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province.”
Prominent figures from the Afghanistan cricket community also voiced their grief. T-20 team captain Rashid Khan expressed his sadness over the loss of life, condemning the attacks as immoral. He stated, “A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.” He commended the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming fixtures against Pakistan, emphasizing that national dignity must take precedence.
Mohammad Nabi, another international player, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the incident signifies a tragedy not just for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket family and the nation. Fazalhaq Farooqi condemned the assault as an “unforgivable crime,” noting the heavy toll on innocent lives and promising solidarity with the affected communities.
Reports indicate that Pakistan conducted several airstrikes in the Paktika province, leading to widespread accusations from Afghan media that Islamabad violated a fragile ceasefire agreement in place between the two countries. The airstrikes allegedly targeted residential areas, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Despite the recent violence, a 48-hour ceasefire was initially established to facilitate negotiations aimed at easing tensions, with both nations discussing the extension of this truce as talks continue in Doha.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the complexities and fragility of the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as the sports community mourns the loss of promising talent and innocent lives while navigating a path toward peace.