Afghanistan condemns attack that killed cricketers
Three Afghan cricketers were killed in a deadly airstrike in Paktika province, which the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has blamed on the Pakistani military, sparking outrage and prompting the board to withdraw from an upcoming tri-series. The ACB condemned the attack as a deliberate targeting of sportsmen and civilians, urging the global cricket community to take a stand.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, ACB spokesperson Syed Naseem Sadaat called for a unified response from the global cricketing community against violence that targets athletes.
“We call upon all the cricket boards to condemn such barbaric attacks because cricket is a game that carries the message of peace. Cricketers are peace ambassadors, and they should stay away from the war. War should not be interfered in sports. So we call upon all the cricket fraternity and boards to condemn such attacks and keep cricket away from war.”
ACB claims clear evidence of Pakistan’s involvement
Sadaat said the board had gathered substantial proof pointing to Pakistan’s role in the strike, including a video prepared by ACB’s media team documenting the aftermath of the attack.
“We got evidence all the cricket fraternity and all the people around the world would have definitely watched our video report on the incident that was made by our media team. So, we got clear evidence that the attack was done by a Pakistani state.”
He further announced that, in protest, Afghanistan would no longer participate in the upcoming tri-nation T20I series that Pakistan was set to host with Sri Lanka.
“After the incident, the management of Afghanistan Cricket Board decided to cancel Afghanistan’s participation in the tri-series that was going to be hosted by Pakistan.”
Cricketers support decision to withdraw from tri-series
Sadaat said the national team players, including senior members, unanimously backed the decision to withdraw from the tournament, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families.
“The decision taken by ACB management was welcomed by all of our national team players including the senior players who are playing for national team. They all were fine with the decision. They welcomed the decision. They showed their grief and sorrow and shared their condolences with the families of the martyred cricketers and other innocent people in the area.”
The ACB described the strike in an official statement as “a cowardly act carried out by the Pakistani regime.”
Statement of Condolence
The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.
In… pic.twitter.com/YkenImtuVR
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025
ACB Mourns
The Afghanistan Cricket Board also shared a statement on social media, mourning the players and other victims of the airstrike.
“This is the tragic story of the martyred cricketers and innocent civilians of Paktika, who lost their lives that night in an airstrike carried out by the Pakistani military regime.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs demands justice as tensions escalate
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the airstrike and urged for accountability, saying, “We demand answers and justice for this horrific act,” the spokesperson said, as quoted by Business-Standard.
Pakistan has not officially responded to the allegations. The airstrike, which has fueled renewed tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, follows months of diplomatic strain over border security and recent cricketing disputes.
