Afghanistan cricket board mourns 3 players killed in Pakistan airstrike, pulls out of tri-nation series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has expressed profound grief over the deaths of several cricketers from Urgun district in Paktika province, who were reportedly killed in an air attack allegedly carried out by the Pakistani regime.

In an official statement, the ACB confirmed that three players — Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — along with five other residents of Urgun, lost their lives in the incident, while seven others sustained injuries. The victims were returning home after taking part in a friendly cricket match in Sharana, the provincial capital of Paktika, when the attack took place.

“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,” read the statement by ACB.

“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,” they added.

As a mark of respect for the slain players, the ACB announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation T20I series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. The tournament was scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 17 to 29.

“In response to 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,” said ACB.

“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.”