How Did Afghanistan Players and ACB Chair Honor Victims of the Paktika Tragedy?
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Synopsis
In a profound display of solidarity, the Afghanistan Cricket Board and its players mourned the loss of three young cricketers killed in tragic airstrikes. Their visit to Paktika Province emphasized their support for the victims' families and highlighted the impact of violence on the dreams of Afghan youth.
Key Takeaways
- ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf and players visited grieving families in Paktika.
- Condolences were shared on social media by the ACB.
- The young cricketers had recently returned from a friendly match.
- The tragedy has drawn international condemnation from cricket boards.
- Afghanistan withdrew from an upcoming cricket series as a form of protest.
New Delhi, Oct 21 (NationPress) The chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), Mirwais Ashraf, along with the national team players, expressed their sorrow over the tragic demise of three young Afghan cricketers: Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. These young talents lost their lives due to cross-border airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in the Paktika province of Afghanistan, and they offered prayers for the victims of this heartbreaking incident.
The ACB posted heartfelt pictures and a detailed message on its X account. “ACB Chairman @MirwaisAshraf16, alongside several national players including @RahmatShah_08, Zahir Khan, Fareed Malik, and Shabir Noori, as well as various ACB officials, visited Paktika Province yesterday to meet with the bereaved families of those who were martyred in the recent Pakistani airstrikes. During their visit, Ashraf and the delegation conveyed their deep condolences and unity with the grieving families, offering prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Mirwais Ashraf stated, “The dreams of our young players have been tragically interrupted. They harbored significant hopes for a thriving Afghanistan, but the enemies of humanity and peace have mercilessly extinguished those aspirations. On behalf of the ACB, I extend my profound sympathy to the families of the victims. We stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time and are deeply saddened by this tragedy.”
“After the prayer and condolence ceremony, Ashraf, together with the national players, also visited the location where the young cricketers were laid to rest, offering prayers for their souls and honoring their memory,” the post elaborated.
The BCCI and ICC have also expressed their condolences and condemned the act. The three young men had just returned home after participating in a friendly cricket match when they were killed in an attack that also resulted in several civilian casualties.
Earlier this week, Afghanistan withdrew from a tri-nation series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled for next month, as a response to the airstrikes. Afghanistan was supposed to compete in the tri-series in Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 5 to 29.
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Point of View
It is our duty to report on the tragic events that have unfolded in Paktika. The loss of young lives in such circumstances is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflicts that affect the hopes and dreams of Afghanistan's future. We stand with the nation as we seek to foster peace and understanding amid these challenging times.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Paktika?
Three young Afghan cricketers were killed in cross-border airstrikes by Pakistan, prompting condolences from the ACB and others.
Who were the victims?
The victims were Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, promising young players with aspirations for their country's future.
What was the ACB's response?
The ACB chairman and players visited Paktika Province to offer condolences and prayers for the families affected by the tragedy.
How did the cricket community react?
The BCCI and ICC condemned the airstrikes and expressed their condolences for the loss of the young cricketers.
Did Afghanistan withdraw from any matches?
Yes, Afghanistan withdrew from a tri-nation series scheduled for next month in response to the airstrikes.
