Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information, Ata Tarar, has voiced strong disapproval of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) statement concerning the tragic deaths of three cricketers in Afghanistan, labeling it as ‘selective’ and ‘biased’.
The controversy stems from statements released by both the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, October 19, 2025. These statements offered condolences following an aerial attack in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province that claimed the lives of the cricketers, but notably omitted any mention of Pakistan.
These official reactions came after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its decision to withdraw from an upcoming tri-series scheduled in Pakistan next month. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) quickly moved to replace Afghanistan with Zimbabwe for the series, which also features Sri Lanka.
“We unequivocally reject and condemn the ICC’s statement, which unfairly suggests that three Afghan cricketers were killed in strikes originating from Pakistan,” Mr. Tarar declared in a statement released on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
He further criticized the ICC, stating, “The ICC failed to independently verify the claims made by the Afghanistan board before issuing a statement that implicated Pakistan in the attack.”
The Minister highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing struggle with terrorism, emphasizing that the country itself has been a victim for many years. He called upon the ICC to promptly retract and rectify its statement.
Mr. Tarar expressed astonishment at the timing, noting, “It is particularly concerning that just hours after the ICC’s announcement, its Chairman, Jay Shah, echoed the exact same sentiments on his social media, followed by similar remarks from the Afghanistan board.” He added that the Afghan board made these accusations “without presenting any credible evidence.”
The incident had already sparked strong condemnation from several prominent Afghan cricketers, including stars like Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib, who passionately denounced the aerial attack and the subsequent fatalities in their social media posts on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Mr. Tarar suggested that recent events, such as the controversial no-handshake incident during the recent Asia Cup, contribute to a perception of a biased stance against Pakistan cricket.
“This situation seriously calls into question the ICC’s neutrality and impartial approach. An international sports governing body must refrain from endorsing unverified and contentious claims, especially when incited by others,” he concluded, urging the ICC to maintain its independence and avoid taking sides in such sensitive matters.