Afghanistan: Eight Killed, Including Three Afghan Cricketers, in Pakistani Airstrike, Heightening Tensions Between the Two Nations
In a tragic escalation of cross-border tensions, eight people, including three Afghan cricketers, lost their lives in a Pakistani airstrike targeting Afghanistan’s Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that the cricketers were traveling from Urgun to Sharana to participate in a friendly match when the attack occurred. The three players have been identified as Kabir, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, while five other civilians also died in the strike.
The ACB condemned the airstrike, calling it a cowardly and unjustified attack by the Pakistani regime. Following the incident, Afghanistan withdrew from the ongoing triangular series, citing the safety of players and national dignity.
Afghanistan’s cricket captain Rashid Khan expressed his grief on social media, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives of civilians in Pakistan’s recent airstrike on Afghanistan. Attacks on civilian targets are completely immoral and brutal. This is a serious violation of human rights, and action must be taken against it.”
Top Afghan cricketer Mohammad Nabi also criticized the airstrike, calling the deaths of the players a devastating blow to the entire Afghan cricket community. Rashid Khan praised the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the triangular series with Pakistan, emphasizing that national pride and security must come first in such difficult times.
The ACB highlighted that the victims were targeted while returning to Urgun after the match, describing the incident as a major loss for Afghanistan’s sporting world. The board extended its condolences to the families of those who perished in the strike.
This incident has further intensified already fragile relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, drawing international attention to the ongoing border tensions and raising urgent calls for accountability and protection of civilians in conflict zones.