Afghanistan’s cricket community mobilizes after tragedy strikes Kunar
A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan just before midnight on September 1, shaking buildings from Kabul to Islamabad and leaving devastation in its wake. The epicenter, near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, caused particularly severe damage in remote Kunar, where over 800 people were killed and more than 2,500 injured, according to Taliban government officials.
“Numerous houses were destroyed,” interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani told AFP, as rescue efforts continue in mountainous areas where many residents live in fragile mud-brick homes prone to collapse.
In response to the catastrophe, Afghanistan’s cricketing community has stepped forward with both financial support and public appeals for broader national action.
ACB urges national support and pledges direct aid
In a series of statements posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressed deep sorrow while calling on the country’s business elite to join in the relief effort.
“The (ACB) calls upon all national businessmen, traders [and] rich countrymen to extend their support to the affected families of Kunar and other eastern provinces in this dire situation, while also recognising its own responsibility in this regard.”
— Afghanistan Cricket Board on X
The ACB extended its condolences and emphasized the scale of the tragedy.
“The leadership of the ACB, along with all the players and staff, express its deepest sorrow over the loss of lives and casualties caused by the severe earthquake in the eastern provinces, particularly in Kunar. In this time of immense grief, we consider ourselves united with all our people.”
— Afghanistan Cricket Board on X
“Unfortunately, the earthquake has caused many of our people lose their lives and many others get affected, which is truly a great calamity. The Board stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of Kunar and all the eastern provinces and extends heartfelt condolences and sympathies to them during this difficult time.”
— Afghanistan Cricket Board on X
Message of Sympathy and Condolences
The leadership of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, along with all the players and staff, express its deepest sorrow over the loss of lives and casualties caused by the severe earthquake in the eastern provinces, particularly in Kunar.
In this… pic.twitter.com/IOyBtvjeVV
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 1, 2025
Afghan cricketers donate match fees and personal funds
As a tangible show of support, Afghanistan’s national players committed their full match fees from Monday’s T20I against the UAE to earthquake relief — along with additional personal contributions.
“Afghan Atalan have committed all their match fees from tonight’s game against the UAE, as well as additional donations, to assist the families affected by the recent earthquake in Kunar province.”
— Afghanistan Cricket statement
“Additionally, players involved in the ongoing Regional List A Tournament in Khost province will also gather their donations tomorrow. These contributions will be immediately sent to support the affected families in Kunar during this difficult time.”
— Afghanistan Cricket statement
“AfghanAtalan Show Solidarity with Kunar Earthquake Victims!”
— Afghanistan Cricket statement
AfghanAtalan Show Solidarity with Kunar Earthquake Victims!
AfghanAtalan have committed all their match fees from tonight's game against the UAE, as well as additional donations, to assist the families affected by the recent earthquake in Kunar province.
Additionally, players… pic.twitter.com/Cc1ABCLKt7
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 1, 2025
UAE Cricket, CSK, and Javed Afridi join the chorus of support
The global cricket community quickly echoed Afghanistan’s call for unity. The Emirates Cricket Board offered condolences and organized a moment of silence before the T20I match in Sharjah.
“The Emirates Cricket Board joins the Afghanistan Cricket Board in offering sympathies and condolences to the victims of the tragic earthquake.”
— Emirates Cricket Board on X
The Emirates Cricket Board joins the Afghanistan Cricket Board in offering sympathies and condolences to the victims of the tragic earthquake.
A one-minute silence will be observed today at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium before the start of the UAE-Afghanistan T20I Tri-Series… https://t.co/VN9PBS40vA
— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) September 1, 2025
Indian Premier League powerhouse Chennai Super Kings also expressed solidarity.
“To our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan, we’re heartbroken by the earthquake that struck your land. In this darkest hour, may strength and hope lift you again.”
— Chennai Super Kings on X
To our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan, we're heartbroken by the earthquake that struck your land.
In this darkest hour, may strength and hope lift you again. pic.twitter.com/enaZTqDkj8
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 1, 2025
Javed Afridi, chairman of the Zalmi Foundation and Peshawar Zalmi owner, pledged Rs10 million to aid quake victims, sharing his heartbreak publicly.
“Heartbroken by the devastation of the earthquake in Afghanistan.”
— Javed Afridi on X
“So many lives lost, families shattered, and loved ones in pain. Our prayers are with our Afghan brothers and sisters in these tough times.”
— Javed Afridi on X
Heartbroken by the devastation of the earthquake in Afghanistan💔. So many lives lost, families shattered, and loved ones in pain. Our prayers are with our Afghan brothers and sisters in these tough times.Zalmi Foundation pledges 10m PKR to support those struck by this calamity.
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) September 1, 2025
Cricket as a force for unity and hope
The earthquake’s destruction has left Afghanistan reeling, particularly in the underdeveloped eastern provinces. But amidst the rubble, the country’s cricket infrastructure — both symbolic and operational — has emerged as a central pillar in the national response.
From match-fee donations and public appeals to international solidarity, the cricket world has once again shown its power to lead in times of crisis. With the Asia Cup 2025 looming, Afghanistan’s players will soon return to the field — but their focus, for now, is squarely on supporting the communities they represent.
