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In what comes as a shock development, Afghanistan have pulled out of the tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month. The move comes as a sharp response to the killings of three Afghan cricketers in a cowardly attack. The Afghanistan cricket board (ACB) revealed that the cricketers had traveled from Urgun to Sharana in eastern Paktika province, near the Pakistan border, to play a friendly match, adding that upon returning to Urgun, the players were killed in a 'cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistan regime. The board identified the cricketers as "Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon," and added that five others were also killed in the attack.
"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," ACB wrote on X.
"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 traveled 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 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 of 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.
"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," read the statement.
Rashid Khan Reacts
Rashid Khan slammed Pakistan for the barbaric attack on civilians, and welcomed ACB's decision to pull out of the Tri-series. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.
"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.
"In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time, our national dignity must come before all else," he wrote on X.
