Pakistan's airstrike in Afghanistan kills 3 crickers; ACB reacts
What's the story
At least three Afghan cricketers were killed in a recent airstrike by Pakistan in Afghanistan's Paktika province. The players, identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, had traveled from Urgun to Sharana for a friendly match and said that five other people were also killed in the attack. They were "targeted during a gathering" after returning home to Urgun, according to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). The ACB condemned the incident as a "cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime."
Series withdrawal
Afghanistan withdraw from tri-nation series
In the wake of the airstrike, Afghanistan has withdrawn from a tri-nation series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month. The ACB expressed its deepest sorrow over the "tragic martyrdom" of these cricketers in a post on the social media platform X. Afghanistan's T-20 team captain Rashid Khan also condemned the attacks, calling them "immoral and barbaric." He welcomed ACB's decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan, saying "our national dignity must come before all else."
Twitter Post
Rashid Khan's post on X
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.
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025
It is absolutely immoral and…
Ceasefire violation
Airstrikes violate ceasefire agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan
The airstrikes by Pakistan reportedly targeted residential areas in Urgun and Barmal districts of Paktika province, killing several civilians, Afghan media reported. The airstrikes came amid a 48-hour ceasefire agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan, after days of intense cross-border clashes. The two countries had agreed to extend the truce until the ongoing talks in Doha conclude. Negotiations are scheduled to begin on Saturday to reduce tensions and prevent further cross-border violence.
Ceasefire extension
Ongoing talks in Doha
Earlier, the two countries agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire that ended at 1pm GMT on Friday. Afghan Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, told Ariana News that Kabul has instructed its forces to maintain a ceasefire as long as Pakistan desists from carrying out any attack. However, neither the Afghan defense ministry nor the Pakistani army has commented on the airstrike that killed eight, including the three cricketers.