Highlights
- Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan’s Paktika province kills 3 Afghan cricketers.
- Afghanistan withdraws from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- Afghan cricket captain Rashid Khan and former captain Mohammad Nabi condemn the attack.
- Rising border tensions threaten to spark a larger conflict between the two nations.
Pakistani Airstrike Claims Lives of Afghan Cricketers
At least three Afghan cricketers killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province, Afghanistan. Following the attack, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially withdrawn from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The series was scheduled to be held from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
“আপনার ব্যবসা এখন অনলাইনে— Storola-এর সাথে সহজ ও স্মার্টভাবে!”
According to local sources, the airstrikes were carried out late Friday night (October 17) in several areas of Paktika province. The victims—Kabir, Sibgatullah, and Haroon—were residents of Urgun district and had traveled to Sharana city to play a friendly cricket match.
ACB Condemns “Cowardly Attack”
The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed the deaths in an official statement and strongly condemned the attack.
In its statement, the ACB expressed deep sorrow and announced its decision to withdraw from the upcoming cricket series as a mark of respect.
Rashid Khan: “A Loss Beyond Repair”
Afghanistan’s T20 captain Rashid Khan took to social media to denounce the attack and mourn the victims.
He also demanded global condemnation of the attack, saying:
“Such barbaric attacks on civilian areas are unethical and a violation of human rights. These unjust assaults deserve strong international condemnation.”
“সাধারণ ডিম বিক্রি করে আমরা কীভাবে ১৫ লক্ষ কাস্টমার এনেছি—এই বইয়ে আছে তার বাস্তব কাহিনি!”
Rashid supported the ACB’s decision to withdraw:
“I welcome the decision to withdraw from the upcoming matches against Pakistan. In this painful time, our national dignity must come first.”
Mohammad Nabi: “A National Tragedy”
Former Afghan captain Mohammad Nabi also expressed his sorrow, calling the incident a deep national loss.
“This is not just a tragedy for Paktika, but for the entire Afghan cricket family and the whole nation.”
Read More: “They Broke My Artificial Hand Too” — Protester After Parliament Clash
Border Truce Collapses Hours Before Attack
Just hours before the bombing, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had announced that Afghanistan and Pakistan had reached an indefinite ceasefire agreement, stating that Afghanistan would not attack unless provoked.
However, that fragile truce broke within hours as Pakistani airstrikes hit multiple targets. In response, Afghan forces launched counter-attacks along the border, escalating tensions.
Local authorities have warned that if the situation continues, it could trigger a major conflict between the two neighbouring countries.
Source: Jamuna TV
