Kabul, October 18 – Afghanistan has withdrawn from the upcoming T20 Tri-Nation Series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka following the killing of three Afghan cricketers in a deadly attack in Paktika province, calling it a “cowardly act orchestrated by the Pakistani regime.”
As per agency report, the series was scheduled to take place between November 17 and 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its withdrawal in a strongly worded statement, expressing deep sorrow over the deaths of players Kabir, Sibgatullah, and Haroon. The cricketers, along with five others, were killed in Paktika’s Argun district while returning from a friendly match in Sharana, the provincial capital. Seven others were reportedly injured in the incident.
The ACB condemned the attack, terming it a grave loss for Afghanistan’s sporting community, particularly for its cricket fraternity. The board stated that in solidarity with the victims and as a mark of protest, Afghanistan would not participate in the tri-nation tournament to be held in Pakistan next month. The statement further expressed prayers for the martyrs and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
Reports indicate that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, specifically targeting the districts of Argun and Bermal, which also led to the collapse of a ceasefire between the two neighboring countries.
Star Afghan spinner Rashid Khan condemned the airstrikes, expressing grief over the civilian casualties caused by what he described as unjust and inhumane attacks. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Rashid said that targeting civilian areas was immoral and a violation of human rights. He affirmed his support for the ACB’s decision to boycott the upcoming series with Pakistan, emphasizing that nothing was more important than the dignity of his nation.
Former Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib also voiced outrage, calling the attack in Paktika’s Argun district a cruel act that claimed the lives of several innocent civilians and cricketers. He described it as an assault on Afghanistan’s pride and freedom, asserting that such acts would not weaken the Afghan spirit.
All-rounder Samiullah Shinwari expressed sorrow over the loss of the young players, stating that the attack by Pakistani forces after a friendly match was a tragic moment for the entire country and the cricket community. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Paktika, vowing that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.
