Afghanistan pulls out of tri-nation series after three cricketers are killed in an attack attributed to Pakistan

Afghanistan has decided to withdraw from the upcoming tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month, following the tragic deaths of three local cricketers in an attack, the country’s cricket board confirmed on Friday. Pakistani air strikes on Afghan territory late Friday resulted in at least 10 fatalities, violating a temporary ceasefire that had brought two days of relative peace to the border region, according to Afghan officials speaking to AFP.

The Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) explained that the players had traveled from Urgun to Sharana in Paktika province, located near the Pakistan border, to participate in a friendly match.

The statement mentioned that “upon returning to Urgun, they were attacked while attending a gathering,” calling it “a cowardly assault orchestrated by the Pakistani government.”

The ACB identified the three players as “Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon.”The board expressed that it “views this as a significant loss to Afghanistan’s sports community, athletes, and the cricket fraternity,” while offering its “heartfelt condolences and support to the grieving families.”In honor of the victims, the ACB confirmed its decision to pull out of next month’s tri-nation series “as a mark of respect.”

A senior Taliban official, speaking anonymously, told AFP that “Pakistan has violated the ceasefire by bombing three sites in Paktika province,” adding, “Afghanistan will respond.” According to a hospital official in the province, 10 civilians were killed and 12 others injured, including two children, due to the airstrikes.Afghan cricketer Fazalhaq Farooqi expressed his outrage on Facebook, calling the killing of innocent civilians and cricketers a “horrific and unforgivable crime by these oppressors.”

Another Afghan international cricketer, Mohammad Nabi, remarked, “This tragedy is not only a loss for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket community and the nation.”

A Tragic Setback for Afghanistan's Cricket Community

The recent airstrikes by Pakistan, which claimed the lives of three Afghan cricketers, have sent shockwaves through Afghanistan’s cricketing community and beyond. The victims, Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were not only talented players but also young, promising athletes representing the spirit and resilience of Afghan cricket. Their untimely deaths have deeply affected the country’s cricketing landscape, which has struggled to rise amidst various challenges.

Cricket has been a source of unity and national pride for Afghanistan, a country ravaged by years of conflict and instability. For many Afghans, the national cricket team is a symbol of hope, resilience, and achievement against all odds. The loss of these players, who were on their way to participate in a friendly match, has caused a profound emotional and psychological impact on the cricketing fraternity.

The attack also casts a dark shadow on the future of Afghan cricket. The Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) has been working tirelessly to develop and nurture the sport in the country, building a promising pool of talent. However, the death of these players highlights the immense risks athletes face in a country still grappling with security concerns. The tragedy underscores the vulnerability of Afghan players, particularly those from provinces close to conflict zones like Paktika, where the attack took place.

International cricketers, such as Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi, have voiced their sorrow over the incident, expressing how this is not just a loss for the victims’ families but also for the entire Afghan cricket family. The ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming tri-nation series is a mark of respect for the players and an acknowledgment of the deep emotional toll the attack has had on the cricket community.

In essence, the attack is a reminder of the dangers that Afghan cricketers face off the field, further complicating the country’s struggle for peace and stability.