3 cricketers killed by Pakistan in airstrikes on Afghanistan, ACB issues…

Three Afghan cricketers tragically lost their lives in Pakistan’s airstrikes, but what followed shocked the cricketing world, as the Afghanistan Cricket Board took a bold and unexpected stand.

Edited by: Ankit Kumar

Published: October 18, 2025, 7:32 AM IST

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https://www.india.com/sports/3-cricketers-killed-by-pakistan-in-airstrikes-on-afghanistan-acb-issues-statement-of-condolence-8137754/ Copy

3 cricketers killed by Pakistan in airstrikes on Afghanistan, ACB issues…

New Delhi: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Afghan cricketers in a recent airstrike by Pakistan. The attack occurred in Urgun District, Paktika Province, southeastern Afghanistan, where cricket players were suddenly bombarded with missiles. This tragic attack has shaken the entire Afghan sports world.

Three Cricketers Killed, Several Injured

Three cricketers from Urgun District—Kabir, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—were martyred in the airstrike. Five other local civilians were also killed, while seven others were seriously injured. The players were returning from a friendly cricket match in Sharana, the capital of Paktika Province, when they were attacked. The Afghanistan Cricket Board described the incident as a “great loss” for the country’s sports community.

Afghanistan Withdraws from Triangular T20 Series

Following this tragic incident, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has withdrawn from the upcoming triangular T20 International Series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament was scheduled to be held in late November. The ACB described it as a “symbolic decision to honor the martyred players” and stated that the team would not participate in any such tournaments until justice is served.

Ceasefire Broken, Tensions Rise Again on the Border

According to media reports, Pakistan also carried out drone strikes on Khandar village in the Argun District of Paktika Province. The attack occurred during a 48-hour ceasefire between the two countries, which was meant to halt a week-long border clash. Tensions have now escalated once again. Taliban officials say Pakistan broke the ceasefire and bombed three locations. Afghanistan has stated that it will respond to the attack.

Diplomatic Talks Also Under Shadow

Uncertainty now looms over the peace talks between the two countries in Doha, Qatar. Pakistan had appealed for an extension of the ceasefire, but the attack has cast doubt on this. The Afghan cricket community has demanded international intervention to ensure justice for the martyred players.

Story Highlights

1. Three Afghan cricketers killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika Province.
2. The Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew from the triangular T20 series.
3. Taliban officials said – Pakistan broke the ceasefire, Afghanistan will respond.
4. Wave of mourning in the cricket world, demands for justice from the international community.