At least three Afghan cricketers have been killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province. They were among eight people who lost their lives in the attack. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday expressed deep grief over the deaths of Afghan cricketers. In protest, the board has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series that was set to feature Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the ACB said it “expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.”
Statement of Condolence
The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.
In… pic.twitter.com/YkenImtuVR
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025
Who were the players killed?
The board identified the deceased players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon. They were among eight people killed in the Urgun district airstrike, which also left seven others injured. According to ACB, the players had earlier travelled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were attacked during a local gathering.
Who was Kabeer?
Kabeer was a young cricketer from Urgun district in Paktika province, Afghanistan. Not much is known about his life or career, but he was considered a promising talent in Afghanistan’s domestic cricket.
Who was Sibghatullah
Very little is truly known about Sibghatullah Atal; a name that barely made it to the headlines, yet carried the weight of unrealised dreams. He was among those chosen to represent his side in a friendly game at Sharana, full of hope and quiet determination. A young player with talent waiting to bloom, taken away before the world could see what he was meant to become.
Who was Haroon?
Haroon Khan, born on March 15, 2006, was a young right-handed batsman from Kabul. He had started to gain attention in domestic and age-group cricket tournaments. Haroon had played in List A, T20 and first-class matches and was seen as a bright future star for Afghanistan cricket.
Calling the deaths a “great loss” to the country’s sports community, the ACB extended its condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Paktika Province. The board said it stands in solidarity with the victims’ families and will pray for the departed souls.
Afghanistan pulls out of tri-nation series
In light of the tragic incident, the ACB announced its decision to withdraw from the Tri-Nation T20I series, which was scheduled for late November. The tournament was expected to feature Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. The board said the decision reflects its deep sense of mourning and protest against the attack.
The ACB concluded its statement with prayers for the deceased, saying, “May Allah (SWT) grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah, bless the injured with a speedy recovery, and grant their families patience, reward, and strength during this time of immense grief.”
‘Immoral and barbaric,’ says Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan
Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan expressed deep sorrow on X over the deaths of “women, children, and young aspiring cricketers”.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan”.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.
It is absolutely immoral and…
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalate
The airstrike in Paktika comes amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to Tolo News, Pakistan carried out the attack despite a 48-hour ceasefire that had been agreed upon by both nations after several days of cross-border clashes.
Reports said that Pakistan had earlier requested an extension of the ceasefire until the end of the ongoing Doha negotiations aimed at reducing border tensions. Negotiations between both sides were scheduled to begin on Saturday.
On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed a temporary ceasefire with the Afghan Taliban regime “with mutual consent of both parties, for the next 48 hours from 6 pm today.” However, the subsequent airstrike has further strained relations, with Afghanistan condemning the act as a violation of the truce.
