The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following the killing of three Afghan cricketers in what it described as a “cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.”
The series, scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 17 to 29, is now in uncertainty after Afghanistan’s sudden decision.
Three Afghan Cricketers Killed in Alleged Attack
According to the ACB, the victims — Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — along with five others from Urgun District in Paktika Province, were attacked upon returning from a friendly cricket match in Sharana, the provincial capital. Seven others sustained injuries in the incident.
In an official statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said:
“The ACB expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.”
The board added that the decision to withdraw from the tri-nation series was made as a gesture of respect for the victims and their families.
Rashid Khan Condemns Airstrikes
Star spinner Rashid Khan condemned the alleged Pakistani airstrikes, calling them “immoral and barbaric.”
“It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed,” Rashid said on X (formerly Twitter).
He supported the ACB’s decision, saying,
“I stand with our people at this difficult time — our national dignity must come before all else.”
Rising Tensions Between Kabul and Islamabad
The incident comes amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, following reports of Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika’s Argun and Barmal districts, which reportedly ended a fragile ceasefire between the two countries.
The ACB said the attack was a “great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community and the cricketing family.”
Series Future Uncertain
With Afghanistan’s withdrawal, the Tri-Nation T20I Series now faces uncertainty. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have not yet issued statements regarding the development.
The ACB concluded its note by offering prayers for the victims:
“May Allah grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah and bless the injured with a speedy recovery.”
