Afghanistan Cricket Board Withdraws from T20I Series After Tragic Airstrike

Tragic Incident in Paktika Province

Kabul: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressed deep sorrow on Saturday following the death of three Afghan cricketers due to a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province. Consequently, the board announced its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series that included Pakistan.

In a statement shared on social media, the ACB conveyed, "We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of our brave cricketers from Urgun District, who fell victim to a cowardly attack by the Pakistani regime this evening."

The players, identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were among eight individuals killed in the airstrike in Urgun district, with seven others reported injured.

The cricketers had traveled to Sharana, the provincial capital of Paktika, to participate in a friendly match. They were targeted upon their return home during a local gathering, as per the ACB's statement.

"In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon), along with five other compatriots from Urgun District, were martyred, and seven others sustained injuries. They had previously traveled to Sharana for a friendly match and were attacked upon returning home," the board stated.

"The ACB views this as a significant loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. We extend our deepest condolences and solidarity to the families of the martyrs and the people of Paktika Province," it added.

Withdrawal from Upcoming Series

In light of this tragic event, the ACB announced its withdrawal from the Tri-Nation T20I series scheduled for late November, which was set to feature Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

"In response to this tragic incident and as a mark of respect for the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled for late November," the statement read.

The ACB concluded its message with prayers for the deceased, stating, "May Allah (SWT) grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah, bless the injured with a swift recovery, and provide their families with patience and strength during this time of immense grief."

Details of the Airstrike

Earlier on Friday, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan's southeastern Paktika province, violating a recent ceasefire agreement between the two nations, as reported by a local news outlet.

Sources indicated that the airstrikes targeted residential areas in the Urgun and Barmal districts, resulting in significant civilian casualties.

These deadly strikes occurred amid a 48-hour ceasefire agreement following days of intense cross-border clashes.

Pakistan had previously called for an extension of the ceasefire until the conclusion of ongoing negotiations in Doha aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further violence.

According to reports, the 48-hour ceasefire was extended at Pakistan's request until the ongoing talks in Doha are concluded. Negotiations between the two sides were set to commence on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Pakistan's Foreign Office announced a temporary ceasefire had been agreed upon for the next 48 hours, following a series of intense clashes.

The Foreign Office stated, "A temporary ceasefire has been decided between the Pakistani government and the Afghan Taliban regime, with mutual consent for the next 48 hours from 6 pm today, at the request of the Taliban."

The statement further noted that both sides would strive to find a positive resolution to this complex issue through constructive dialogue.

Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed on social media that Afghan forces had been instructed to adhere to the truce unless provoked.