The cricketing world mourns a profound loss as three promising young Afghan cricketers were tragically killed in a Pakistani airstrike near the border. Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh was among the first to extend his heartfelt condolences, urging for peace and unity in the wake of this devastating event.
“Heartfelt condolences to the families of the young Afghanistan cricketers who lost their lives in the recent attack. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. May their memories inspire peace and unity,” Yuvraj shared on social media.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officially confirmed the tragic deaths of the domestic players. The incident has led to Afghanistan’s difficult decision to withdraw from an upcoming tri-nation series that was set to involve Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
According to the ACB, the players—identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—were returning home to Urgun in eastern Paktika province after participating in a friendly match when they were targeted during a gathering. The board condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act carried out by the Pakistani regime.” In addition to the three cricketers, five other individuals also perished in the strike.
The ACB stated that this tragedy represents a “great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family,” and conveyed its deepest condolences and solidarity to the grieving families. The withdrawal from the tri-series stands as a solemn gesture of respect to the victims.
Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, also voiced his sorrow on social media, writing: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan… aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.” He fully supported the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the scheduled matches against Pakistan, citing the “precious innocent souls lost.”
Other prominent cricketers, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi, joined in condemning the attack, labeling it an “unforgivable crime” and a “tragedy for the entire Afghan cricket family.”