Afghanistan’s national cricket board has announced the country’s withdrawal from a tri-nation T20 series scheduled for November. This decision follows a tragic air strike in Paktika province that resulted in the deaths of three promising young cricketers: Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) condemned the attack, which they state was carried out by the Pakistani regime, and is withdrawing out of respect for the victims.
Witnesses and local officials reported that the strike hit a home in Urgon district where the players were dining after a match. In total, eight people were killed, according to the ACB. However, Pakistan has stated that the strike targeted militants and denies attacking civilians, claiming at least 70 combatants were killed.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed deep sorrow over the “tragic deaths of three young and promising Afghan cricketers” and condemned the “act of violence.” Afghanistan’s national team captain, Rashid Khan, paid tribute to the players’ dreams of representing their country, with several other national players echoing his sentiments.
This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, following days of deadly border clashes that saw dozens of casualties. A temporary truce that began on Wednesday has reportedly been extended to facilitate further negotiations. An Afghan delegation is in Doha for peace talks with Pakistani officials, focusing on cross-border terrorism and regional stability. Zimbabwe will now take Afghanistan’s place in the T20 series.