Tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan has reached a boiling point at their border, where Pakistani airstrikes have resulted in Afghan cricketers killed.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed this tragic incident, stating that three Afghan cricketers killed were among the victims.
These players were returning from a local match in Paktika province when the attack took their lives.
This incident has not only left the cricket community in shock but has further strained relations between the two countries. The ACB has called it a cowardly act by the Pakistani regime.
Details of Paktika Attack: What Happened?
The players had returned to Urgun from a match in Sharana, Paktika. A gathering there was devastated by the Pakistani attack.
In this attack, afghan cricketers killed were identified as Kabir, Sibgatullah, and Haroon. The ACB stated that five others also lost their lives, with several injured.
The attack occurred during a 48-hour ceasefire, which Pakistan violated. According to Afghan police, civilian homes were targeted, affecting women and children as well.
With three Afghan cricketers killed, Afghanistan has been pushed to take strict action against Pakistan. The ACB has withdrawn from a planned tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka in November.
The board stated that this decision was made to honor the victims and their families, as the loss of three Afghan cricketers killed is a massive blow to the Afghan sports community.
Tensions were already high due to mutual accusations over TTP militants, and this attack has escalated the situation further.
What Did Rashid Khan and Others Say?
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan shared his grief on social media.
He wrote: “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 barbaric to target civilian infrastructure.
These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed.In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan.
I stand with our people at this difficult time, our national dignity must come before all else.”
Other players also condemned the attack. Fazalhaq Farooqi posted: “The massacre of innocent civilians and our domestic cricket players by these oppressors is a heinous, unforgivable crime.”
Mohammad Nabi wrote: “This incident is not only a tragedy for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket family and the nation as a whole.”
Gulbadin Naib expressed his anger, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the cowardly military attack in Argun, Paktika, that martyred innocent civilians and fellow cricketers. This brutal act by the Pakistani army is an assault on our people, pride, and independence, but it will never break the Afghan spirit.”
This incident has united these stars, who are putting their country’s dignity first. The ACB has expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and is considering future matches.
The attack took place during talks in Doha aimed at reducing tensions. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khwaja Asif warned Afghans to return and also accused India. The Taliban called it a violation of sovereignty.
Afghanistan accused Pakistan of retaliating for earlier blasts in Kabul, while Pakistan blames the TTP. Soldiers from both sides have also been killed in the clashes.
