
The cricket world was shaken after reports emerged of the devastating air strike carried out by Pakistan in Kabul, in which hundreds of people lost their lives. members of afghanistan cricket team He was one of the first to react, with many players expressing sadness, anger and demands for accountability following the incident.
The attack reportedly targeted Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, a major rehabilitation center in the Afghan capital. With more than 400 people feared dead and hundreds injured, the tragedy has drawn a strong reaction not only politically, but also within the sporting community – particularly from Afghan cricketers, who have long served as global ambassadors for their country.
Rashid Khan expressed anger, demanded investigation from United Nations
star spinner Rashid Khan Condemnation led, using the social media platform X to demand justice and highlight the seriousness of the incident. The former T20I captain did not hold back, describing the attack in clear terms and urging global authorities to intervene.
“I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani air strikes in Kabul. Intentionally or accidentally targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure is a war crime.” Rashid wrote.
He also stressed the emotional significance of this tragedy, especially given its timing during Ramadan – a time of reflection and peace for Muslims around the world.
“The blatant disregard for human life, especially during the holy month of Ramzan, is tragic and a matter of grave concern. It will only fuel division and hatred,” He added.
Rashid also called on international bodies to take swift action. He urged the United Nations and human rights organizations “Thoroughly investigate this latest atrocity and hold the perpetrators accountable.”
Ending on a note of resilience, he expressed solidarity with his fellow citizens: “I stand with our Afghan people in these difficult times. We will recover, and we will rise as a nation. We always do. Inshallah!”
I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani air strikes in Kabul. Deliberately or accidentally targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure is a war crime. Sheer disregard for human life,… pic.twitter.com/DbFRRh2qAJ
– Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) 16 March 2026
Rashid was not alone in giving his reaction. experienced all-rounder mohammad nabi Shared a deeply emotional message that resonated widely on social media.
“Tonight in Kabul, hope was lost in a hospital. Young people seeking treatment were murdered in a bombing by the Pakistani military regime.”
He described the human cost in heartbreaking detail: “The mothers were waiting at the gate, calling out the names of their sons. On the 28th night of Ramadan, their lives ended.”
His words highlighted the tragic irony of a medical facility – meant for treatment – becoming the site of such devastation.
Hopes were dashed in a hospital in Kabul tonight. The youths undergoing treatment were killed in a bombing by the Pakistani military regime. Mothers were waiting at the door, calling the names of their sons. His life ended on the 28th night of Ramzan. pic.twitter.com/p12617D4de
– Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) 16 March 2026
New T20I captain Ibrahim Zadran offered a personal account, revealing that he was in Kabul at the time of the blast.
“Tonight I heard a huge explosion in Kabul. Shortly afterwards we saw flames rising into the sky from a hospital.”
He added a poignant reflection on the timing of the attack: “Our brothers who intended to fast yesterday are now gone, or injured. My thoughts are with every family mourning tonight. Kabul is in pain. We pray for justice.”
Tonight I heard a massive explosion here in Kabul. A few moments later we saw flames rising towards the sky from a hospital.
Our brothers who intended to fast yesterday are now gone, or injured. My thoughts are with every family mourning tonight.
Kabul is in pain. We pray for justice.
– Ibrahim Zadran (@IZadran18) 16 March 2026
Reactions from other Afghan players
Other Afghan cricketers also joined the voice of condemnation. Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq drew comparisons to other global conflicts, while left-back Momand described the hospital as “the home of humanity”, and described the strike as a serious violation of ethics and humanitarian values.
Facebook post of Naveen Ul Haq. pic.twitter.com/1BCMWg9PlS
– WarMonitor (@WarMonitorINTL) 17 March 2026
All-rounder Gulbadin Naib expressed solidarity with the affected families and stressed on unity and resilience in the face of tragedy. Meanwhile, young spinner Noor Ahmed expressed the collective grief in one word: “Heartbreaker.”
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) posted several tweets to condemn the attack and also mentioned that they stand in solidarity with the affected families and their loved ones during this difficult time.
Eid hopes turned into mourning
With the leadership of Afghanistan Cricket Board #AfghanAtlan The Lineup and staff strongly condemn all acts of violence against innocent people. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and our people in these difficult times. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/oN1vknQiod
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) 17 March 2026
What should have been moments of joy and celebration have turned into sadness and heartbreak. Lives that were looking forward to Eid, treatment and a brighter tomorrow have tragically ended, leaving behind broken dreams and bereaved families. 2/4
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) 17 March 2026
We are all deeply saddened by the Pakistani regime’s devastating attack on a rehabilitation facility, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives and injuries to countless others. The occurrence of such a tragedy during Ramzan deepens the pain. 3/4
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) 17 March 2026
We ask Almighty Allah to grant the victims the highest rank in Heaven and bless their families with patience, strength and peace.
Undoubtedly, we belong to Allah and to Him we will return.#acb 4/4
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) 17 March 2026
According to officials, the airstrike took place at around 9 pm local time and caused massive destruction throughout the hospital complex. Rescue operations continued overnight, with fears the death toll could rise as teams combed through the debris.
While the investigation and official responses are awaited, one thing is clear – the emotional impact of this incident has gone far beyond the boundaries of cricket, uniting players and fans alike in grief and solidarity.
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