Who were the Afghan Cricketers Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon Killed in Pakistan's Air Strike?

In a heartbreaking development, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Saturday morning that three budding Afghan cricketers lost their lives during Pakistan's recent air strike on Paktika province.

The players, identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were all domestic-level athletes representing Afghanistan's rising cricket talent. The tragic incident occurred amid ongoing border tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

ACB Confirms Loss and Pulls Out of Tri-Nation Series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the news on social media platform X, mourning the deaths and confirming that Afghanistan has withdrawn from the Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka scheduled for next month. Following the announcement, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan backed the ACB's decision, calling Pakistan's attack on civilians deeply condemnable.

Who were these three young Afghanistan players whose promising careers ended too soon?

Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon: Rising Talents from Paktika

Kabeer (Kabir Agha) was a young batter from Paktika's Urgun district, known for his aggressive top-order style. A regular in youth tournaments organized by the ACB's southern committee, Kabeer was expected to feature in the Afghanistan U-23 provincial camp in 2026, thanks to his consistent domestic performances.

Sibghatullah, a medium-fast bowler from the same province, represented the Urgun Warriors in ACB-approved tournaments. Renowned for his sharp inswing and leadership skills, he was considered a potential captaincy pick in the Paktika Premier League. Coaches often described him as a disciplined athlete who mentored younger bowlers across local academies.

Haroon, a right-handed all-rounder from Urgun, was well-known in local cricket circles for his versatility in both T20 and tape-ball leagues. A student at a local college, he was balancing academics with his cricket career and had recently joined a provincial development camp.

ACB Condemns Attack as 'Cowardly'

In an official statement, the ACB confirmed that Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon were among eight people killed in what it described as a "cowardly attack" by Pakistan. The players had returned home from a friendly match in Sharana and were gathered when the air strike hit. Seven others were reportedly injured.

Calling the incident a devastating loss for the nation's sporting community, the ACB offered condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Paktika. As a sign of mourning and protest, Afghanistan officially withdrew from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series, while also praying for the deceased and injured.

Rashid Khan Denounces the Attack as 'Immoral and Barbaric'

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, condemning the strikes that killed several civilians, including women, children, and young athletes. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB's decision of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan," Rashid wrote 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.

It is absolutely immoral and…

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025

He added that such acts represent a grave violation of human rights, emphasizing that Afghanistan's national dignity and solidarity must take precedence during this painful period.

Border Tensions Escalate Between Afghanistan and Pakistan

According to Tolo News, Pakistan launched multiple air strikes across Afghanistan's Paktika province, allegedly breaching a 48-hour ceasefire recently agreed upon between the two nations. The attacks reportedly struck residential areas in Urgun and Barmal districts, resulting in high civilian casualties.

The strikes came just as both sides had decided to extend a fragile truce amid ongoing peace talks in Doha, aimed at calming cross-border hostilities. Negotiations between Afghan and Pakistani officials are scheduled to continue, as Kabul accuses Islamabad of violating peace efforts.