In the wake of escalating tensions and a tragic loss of life, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series in Pakistan, also involving Sri Lanka. The decision follows the deaths of three Afghan cricketers in airstrikes allegedly carried out by Pakistan in Afghanistan's Paktika province. The ACB has strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as "a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime".
The three cricketers, Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were reportedly killed in the Urgun district of Paktika province. The ACB stated that the players had traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. They were targeted during a gathering after returning home. Besides the three cricketers, five other countrymen were also killed, and seven others were injured in the attack. Some reports indicate that eight cricketers were killed in the strike.
The ACB released a statement expressing "deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers". The board extended condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Paktika province. As a gesture of respect for the victims, the ACB decided to withdraw from the tri-series scheduled to be played in late November.
Afghanistan's cricket captain, Rashid Khan, also condemned the attacks, calling them "immoral and barbaric". He expressed his grief over the loss of lives, including those of young, aspiring cricketers. Khan supported the ACB's decision to withdraw from the tri-series, stating that "national dignity must come before all else".
The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been strained, with recent border clashes and accusations of harboring militants further escalating tensions. Fierce fighting erupted along the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, with both sides trading heavy fire. Pakistan alleges that Afghan forces initiated unprovoked firing, while Afghanistan claims the clashes were a response to Pakistani airstrikes and airspace violations. These clashes have resulted in dozens of casualties on both sides. A fragile 48-hour ceasefire, brokered by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, was broken after Pakistan allegedly conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktika province.
The recent airstrikes that resulted in the death of the cricketers have further fueled the conflict. According to news reports, the strikes, which hit residential areas, resulted in multiple casualties, including women and children. The Taliban condemned the strikes as a violation of the truce.
The withdrawal of Afghanistan from the tri-series has put the future of the event in limbo. The series was scheduled to take place in Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 5 to 29 and involved Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly told the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prepare an alternate plan.
The incident and its aftermath highlight the fragile relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the impact of political tensions on sports. The ACB's decision to withdraw from the tri-series reflects the deep grief and anger felt in Afghanistan over the recent events and underscores the importance of national dignity in the face of conflict.
