In the wake of recent air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan's Paktika province, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming T20I tri-series scheduled to be held in Pakistan in November. The series, which also included Sri Lanka, was set to take place from November 17-29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The ACB's decision follows claims that three Afghan cricketers were killed in the strikes. The cricketers, identified as Kabeer Agha, Haroon, and Sibghatullah, were allegedly targeted in Urgun district while returning home after playing a friendly cricket match in Sharana, the capital of Paktika province. The ACB condemned the incident, describing it as a "cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime". The board stated that the loss was a "great loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family" and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

"In response of this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series," the ACB said in a statement.

The Pakistani military reportedly conducted airstrikes targeting the residential areas of Urgun and Barmal districts in Paktika province. These strikes, which allegedly resulted in civilian casualties, have been cited as the reason for Afghanistan's withdrawal from the tri-series. Reports indicate that at least 10 people, including the three cricketers and two children, were killed and 12 others were injured in the attacks.

The ACB spokesperson urged global cricket boards to denounce the strikes, calling them an attack on peace and sports.

Afghanistan's T20I captain Rashid Khan also condemned the strikes, calling them "barbaric and immoral". He supported the ACB's decision to withdraw from the series, stating, "It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure... 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".

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has acknowledged Afghanistan's withdrawal and stated that the tri-series will proceed as scheduled. A PCB spokesperson confirmed that the board is looking to finalize a replacement team to take Afghanistan's place. The PCB is reportedly in talks with other cricket boards to find a suitable replacement. However, with Australia, England, and South Africa engaged in bilateral series in November, their participation is unlikely. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), asking the apex body to keep an alternate plan ready if Afghanistan pulled out of the Tri-Nation series.

The withdrawal of Afghanistan from the tri-series is a setback for Pakistan's efforts to revive international cricket at home. It also underscores the ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries, with recent cross-border fighting and accusations of harboring terrorists further straining their relationship.