KABUL/NEW DELHI – The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its immediate withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following a deadly cross-border attack that it alleges killed three of its domestic cricketers in Afghanistan’s southeastern Paktika province.
The decision, made “as a gesture of respect” to the victims, signals a severe escalation of political and military tensions between the two neighbours and casts a shadow over cricketing ties.
The Attack and Casualties
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, the ACB claimed that three cricketers, identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were among eight people killed in a “cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime” in the Urgun District of Paktika. Seven other individuals were reported to be injured.
According to the ACB, the players had recently returned to their homes in Urgun after participating in a friendly cricket match in Sharana, the provincial capital. They were reportedly targeted during a local gathering.
The board expressed its profound grief, stating, “The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family.”
Withdrawal from Tri-Series
The tri-nation T20I series, which was also set to feature Sri Lanka, was scheduled to be played in Pakistan, with matches slated for Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 17 to 29.
The ACB’s withdrawal is an unprecedented move in international cricket, directly linking the cancellation of a fixture to alleged military action by a host nation. The full statement read:
“In response of 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, scheduled to be played in late November.”
Afghan Players Condemn “Barbaric” Attack
The decision was publicly supported and welcomed by Afghanistan’s top cricketers, including T20I captain and global star, Rashid Khan.
In a powerful post on social media, Khan condemned the strikes, stating: “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.”
He continued, calling the targeting of civilian areas “absolutely immoral and barbaric” and fully backing the board’s decision: “Our national dignity must come before all else.”
Other prominent players, including former captain Mohammad Nabi and fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, also voiced outrage, calling the killings an “unforgivable crime” and a tragedy for the entire Afghan nation.
Tensions and Ceasefire Violation
The attack comes amid a severe escalation in military tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Reports suggest that the alleged Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika violated a recently established 48-hour temporary ceasefire, which was agreed upon following intense cross-border clashes.
The military action reportedly occurred even as delegations from both nations were engaged in diplomatic talks in Doha aimed at de-escalation.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the Afghanistan team’s withdrawal. However, a senior PCB official confirmed that the tournament would proceed as scheduled, and they are currently in discussions with other boards to find a replacement team to join Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The withdrawal is considered a significant setback for Pakistan’s efforts to revive full-scale international cricket at home.
