3 Afghan Cricketers Killed in Pakistani Attack, Afghanistan Withdraws from T20 Tri-Series

Kabul (The Uttam Hindu): Tensions have once again risen along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Both countries had agreed to extend a 48-hour ceasefire on Friday, but the situation worsened within hours.

According to reports, the Taliban accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Several areas near the Durand Line, including the Urgun district, were targeted. In these attacks, three Afghan cricketers Kabir, Sibgatullah, and Haroon were killed. A total of eight people lost their lives, and seven others were injured.

Sources said that the players had just returned to their homes in Paktika’s capital Sharana after playing a friendly cricket match. The attack occurred during a public gathering in Urgun. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) called this a major loss for the country’s sports community and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased players.

Following this tragic incident, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from the upcoming T20 tri-series, which was scheduled to be held in late November and included Pakistan as one of the participants. The Board stated that this is a time for mourning and solidarity, not for playing cricket.

In its official statement, the ACB prayed for peace to the departed souls, speedy recovery for the injured, and strength for the grieving families during this difficult time.