Pakistan's Airstrike Kills 3 Afghanistan Cricketers

In a tragic incident, three cricketers from Afghanistan have been killed in Pakistan's airstrike.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following the tragic deaths of three Afghan cricketers in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province.

In a statement posted on X, the ACB expressed "deep sorrow and grief" over what it described as a "cowardly attack" by the Pakistani regime. The players-Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon-were among eight civilians killed during the strike in Urgun district. Seven others were injured.

According to the board, the cricketers had traveled to Sharana, the provincial capital, to participate in a friendly match. They were targeted upon returning to Urgun during a local gathering.

"This heartbreaking incident has martyred three of our players and five fellow countrymen," the ACB said. "It is a profound loss for Afghanistan's sports community and the cricketing family."

In solidarity with the victims and their families, the ACB announced it would not participate in the Tri-Nation series scheduled for November 17-29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The board concluded its message with prayers for the deceased and wishes for the recovery of the injured, stating: "May Allah (SWT) grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah and bless the injured with a speedy recovery."

Rising Tensions Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
The airstrike occurred amid a fragile ceasefire between the two nations. Just a day earlier, Pakistan had launched a series of strikes in southeastern Afghanistan, reportedly breaching a 48-hour truce following intense cross-border clashes