(Image source from: x.com/ACBofficials)
At least three cricket players from Afghanistan have lost their lives due to an airstrike by Pakistan in Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board noted that the athletes had journeyed from Urgun to Sharana, located in eastern Paktika near the border with Pakistan, to participate in a friendly game. The ACB identified the players as "Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon," adding that five additional individuals also died in the incident.
It mentioned that "following their return to Urgun, they were attacked during a gathering," labeling it "a cowardly act conducted by the Pakistani government." The ACB did not provide further information regarding the incident. Consequently, Afghanistan withdrew from a series of matches involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka scheduled for next month "as a sign of respect for the victims.""The Afghanistan Cricket Board conveys its profound sorrow and grief over the tragic deaths of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were attacked this evening in a cowardly act by the Pakistani government," stated the ABC in a message on X.
Statement of Condolence
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025
The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.
In… pic.twitter.com/YkenImtuVR
Rashid Khan, the captain of Afghanistan's T-20 team, criticized the recent attacks and praised the ACB's choice to opt out of the friendly series. He expressed, "I am very saddened by the loss of innocent lives during the recent airstrikes from Pakistan on Afghanistan. It is a tragedy that took the lives of women, children, and hopeful young cricketers aspiring to represent their country globally," as he posted on X. Khan mentioned that it is entirely wrong and brutal to attack civilians and that such "unfair and illegal acts are serious breaches of human rights and should not be ignored.""Considering the precious innocent lives lost, I support the ACB's decision to withdraw from the upcoming matches with Pakistan. During this challenging time, I stand with our people, ensuring our national dignity is prioritized above all," he added.
Mohammad Nabi, another player on the international stage, remarked, "This event is not just a disaster for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket community and the nation overall." Afghan international cricketer Fazalhaq Farooqi expressed on Facebook, "The slaughter of innocent civilians and our local cricket players by these oppressors is a dreadful, unforgivable offense." Afghan media has reported that Pakistan executed several airstrikes in Paktika province of Afghanistan on Friday, while Kabul accused Islamabad of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement between the two neighboring countries. According to reports from Tolo News in Afghanistan, airstrikes targeted residential zones in Urgun and Barmal districts, resulting in considerable civilian casualties. These deadly bombings occurred during a 48-hour ceasefire agreement between the two nations, following extensive cross-border confrontations.
Previously, Pakistan had requested to extend the ceasefire until the conclusion of ongoing negotiations in Doha aimed at reducing tensions and averting cross-border violence. Kabul has supposedly accepted this suggestion, prolonging the truce until the completion of the ongoing discussions in Doha. Talks between the two parties are set to commence on Saturday.
