Afghanistan Withdraws from Tri-Nation Series After Pakistani Airstrikes Kill 3 Players: ‘Cowardly Attack’

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has withdrawn from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka amid escalating military tensions on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The decision follows fresh Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika province, which broke the previously declared ceasefire.

According to Tolo News, the strikes targeted the Argun and Barmal districts of Paktika. AFP reported that ten people were killed, including two children, and 12 others were injured. Among the victims were three Afghan cricketers, who had returned from a friendly match in Sharana, the provincial capital.

In its official statement, the ACB expressed deep sorrow, stating:

“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.”

The board identified the players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, adding that five other locals were also killed and seven injured during the attack.

Due to this incident, Afghanistan will not travel to Pakistan for the scheduled series in November 2025. The ACB highlighted the impact on the nation’s sporting community, saying:

“The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. We extend our deepest condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families of the martyrs and to the people of Paktika Province.”

ICC Involvement

Earlier, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi wrote to the ICC, urging the body to prepare alternate plans in case Afghanistan pulled out of the series. The ICC and PCB are now expected to decide which team will replace Afghanistan in the tournament.

Background

A temporary ceasefire had been in place between Pakistan and Afghanistan, pausing border clashes. However, the Friday evening airstrikes broke this truce. Tensions between the two nations had escalated following the Taliban foreign minister’s visit to India, further complicating regional security.

The ACB’s withdrawal reflects the severe impact of ongoing military tensions on Afghanistan’s sporting and civilian life.