Executive summary: Afghanistan has withdrawn from an upcoming T20 cricket tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka following a Pakistani air strike that killed three local cricketers and several civilians in Paktika province. The decision, announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, comes amid escalating border tensions and has drawn international condemnation.
The air strike occurred in the Urgon district of Paktika province, where the three cricketers—Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—were having dinner after a local tournament match. Witnesses and local officials reported that the strike hit a residential home, resulting in eight fatalities, including the players. Pakistan’s military stated that the operation targeted militants and claimed at least 70 combatants were killed, denying any intentional harm to civilians.
In response, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) declared its withdrawal from the November tri-nation T20 series, citing respect for the deceased and calling the incident a “great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community.” The ACB emphasized that the players were not part of the national team but were aspiring cricketers with dreams of representing their country. Afghan national team captain Rashid Khan and other players expressed grief and outrage, with Fazalhaq Farooqi describing the attack as a “heinous, unforgivable crime.”
Pakistan’s government defended the strike, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar asserting that claims of civilian casualties were false and intended to support terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan. He criticized the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) statement as “selective, biased, and premature,” arguing that it lacked independent verification. Pakistan maintains that the action was necessary to counter cross-border threats.
The ICC issued a strong condemnation, expressing deep sadness and appall at the “tragic deaths of three young and promising Afghan cricketers” and other civilians. The council stood in solidarity with the ACB and called for an end to violence, highlighting the broader impact on the cricketing community. This incident has strained sports diplomacy in the region, where cricket often serves as a bridge between nations.
The air strike took place hours after a temporary 48-hour truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan was set to expire, following days of deadly clashes along the border. The ceasefire has been extended to facilitate negotiations, with an Afghan delegation arriving in Doha for peace talks with Pakistani officials. The Taliban government, while accusing Pakistan of aggression, agreed to participate in the discussions, which focus on ending cross-border terrorism and restoring stability.
As a consequence of Afghanistan’s withdrawal, Zimbabwe will replace them in the T20 series, altering the tournament’s dynamics. The event has drawn large crowds to the victims’ funerals, reflecting public anger and mourning. It underscores how geopolitical conflicts can spill over into sports, affecting athletes and international relations. The ongoing talks in Doha are critical for de-escalating tensions and preventing further violence.