Incident Overview
On October 17, 2025, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the withdrawal of its national team from the upcoming Twenty20 tri-series in Pakistan. This decision came in response to a Pakistani military airstrike in Paktika province, which resulted in the deaths of three Afghan cricketers: Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. The players were reportedly targeted during a gathering in the Urgun district after returning from a friendly match in Sharana, the provincial capital.
Details of the Airstrike
According to the ACB, the airstrike occurred as the players were attending a local gathering in Urgun. Paktika officials reported that the strike hit a home, resulting in a total of ten fatalities. The ACB condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly” act and a significant loss to Afghanistan’s sports community.
Withdrawal from the Tri-Series
In light of the incident, the ACB decided to withdraw from the tri-nation T20I series, which was scheduled to take place in Pakistan from November 17 to 29, 2025, involving teams from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. The board stated that the withdrawal was a gesture of respect to the victims and their families.
Reactions from the Cricket Community
The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed solidarity with the ACB and extended condolences to the families of the deceased players. Afghanistan’s cricket captain, Rashid Khan, supported the decision to withdraw, condemning the airstrike as a “barbaric act” and a violation of human rights.
Broader Context
The airstrike and subsequent withdrawal from the cricket series occur amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Recent border clashes have resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, leading to temporary ceasefires and ongoing peace talks in Doha. The incident underscores the broader regional instability and its impact on sporting relations and events.
