After Pakistan attacked civilian infrastructure in Afghanistan and killed some young cricketers, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has withdrawn from the tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The decision was taken after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, which reportedly killed 10 people, including three Afghan cricketers.
The ACB has described the attack as “cowardly and condemnable” and said that playing Pakistan under such circumstances would be “disrespectful to the martyred players and civilians.”
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Three Afghanistan cricketers killed in the attack
According to Afghan media reports, the attack took place in the Argun and Barmal districts of Paktika province, where Pakistan allegedly carried out airstrikes targeting militants. However, local sources say several innocent civilians were killed in the attacks.
The ACB said in a statement that three local cricketers, Kabir, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were killed in the attack, while five other civilians were also killed and seven others were seriously injured.
The players were reportedly returning to their hometown of Argun after playing a friendly match in Sharana, the capital of Paktika, when they were attacked.
“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 this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime,” the ACB stated in an official statement.
“In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon) alongside 5 other fellow countrymen from Urgun District were martyred, and seven others were injured.”
“The players had earlier travelled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering,” the statement added.
“The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. The ACB also extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families of the martyrs and to the people of Paktika Province.”
“In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the ACB has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in late November,” read the statement
“May Allah (SWT) grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah, bless the injured with a speedy recovery, and grant their families patience, reward, and strength during this time of immense grief,” the statement concluded.
Statement of Condolence
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
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025
Pakistan Cricket Board’s Reaction
On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet issued a formal response. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently advised the International Cricket Council (ICC) to have an alternative plan in place now that the Afghans have withdawn from the series for any reason.
Conflict to have wider consequences in Cricket
This incident is not only likely to bring new tensions to Afghanistan-Pakistan relations but could also have a profound impact on South Asian cricket.
Cricketing ties between the two countries were restored on a limited scale in recent years, but this latest controversy has again raised questions about their future.
Many cricket analysts believe this move is a “diplomatic message” from the Afghans to Pakistan, making it clear that sports and politics cannot be separated when players’ lives are at stake.
