Did ACB Withdraw from T20I Tri-Series Involving Pakistan After 3 Afghan Players Were Killed?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from a T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka following the tragic deaths of three local cricketers due to airstrikes. This decision reflects the deep sorrow within the Afghan cricket community and raises significant questions about the ongoing violence.
Key Takeaways
- The Afghanistan Cricket Board has withdrawn from the T20I tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- Three Afghan cricketers were killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika province.
- The ACB condemned the incident as a cowardly attack.
- Significant loss felt across the Afghan cricket community.
- The T20I series was scheduled for November 5 to 29.
New Delhi, Oct 18 (NationPress) The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its withdrawal from a tri-nation T20I series set to include Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month, following a tragic incident in which three local cricketers were killed in airstrikes executed by Pakistan in the Paktika province, as stated by the ACB on Friday.
Originally, Afghanistan was slated to compete in the tri-series alongside Sri Lanka, taking place in Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 5 to 29.
In a heartfelt message on social media, the ACB condemned the attack, labeling it as "a cowardly assault carried out by the Pakistani regime."
"The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its profound sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the courageous cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack conducted by the Pakistani regime," the statement read.
The ACB identified the three players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, who had recently traveled to Sharana to take part in a friendly cricket match.
"In this devastating event, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon), along with five other compatriots from Urgun District, were martyred, and seven others sustained injuries. The players had previously traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika Province, to engage in a friendly match. Upon returning home to Urgun, they were attacked during a gathering," the statement continued.
"The ACB views this as a significant loss for Afghanistan’s sporting community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. The ACB also conveys its deepest condolences and solidarity to the grieving families of the martyrs and the people of Paktika Province," it added.
In the wake of this incident, the ACB declared its decision to withdraw from the upcoming T20I tri-series involving Pakistan as "a gesture of respect to the victims."
"In response to this tragic event and as a mark of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has resolved to withdraw from participating in the forthcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series with Pakistan, scheduled for late November," it stated.
Afghanistan’s T20I captain condemned the attack as "immoral and barbaric."
"I am profoundly saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan. This tragedy resulted in the deaths of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the global stage.
"It is utterly 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 lives lost, I support the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming matches against Pakistan. Our national dignity must take precedence during this difficult time," he posted on X.
Former captain Mohammad Nabi remarked, "This incident is not only a tragedy for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket family and the nation as a whole."
"The massacre of innocent civilians and our domestic cricket players by these oppressors is a heinous, unforgivable crime," Afghan international cricketer Fazalhaq Farooqi stated on Facebook.
Point of View
It is crucial to convey the gravity of the situation while remaining unbiased. The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s decision to withdraw from the T20I series is a strong statement reflecting the ongoing crisis and the loss of innocent lives. This event highlights the intersection of sports and politics, reminding us of the human cost associated with conflict. Our coverage will prioritize the voices of those affected and emphasize the importance of peace and solidarity.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Afghanistan withdraw from the T20I series?
The Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew from the T20I series in response to the tragic deaths of three local cricketers due to Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika province.
What were the names of the cricketers who lost their lives?
The three cricketers who were killed were identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon.
What did the ACB say about the incident?
The ACB condemned the airstrikes as a cowardly attack and expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the athletes.
When was the T20I tri-series scheduled?
The T20I tri-series was scheduled to take place from November 5 to 29 in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
What was the reaction of the Afghanistan T20I captain?
The Afghanistan T20I captain condemned the attacks as immoral and barbaric, emphasizing the loss of innocent lives.
