Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Saturday its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Pakistan triangular T20I series Scheduled for November. Tri-series, ready to feature PakistanafghanistanAnd Sri Lanka, The game was scheduled to begin in Pakistan on November 17, but Kabul’s latest decision marks a turning point after a tragic incident that has shaken Afghanistan’s cricket community. The ACB clarified that the move was taken out of respect for the victims of the devastating attack that claimed the lives of several cricketers in the Urgun district of Paktika province on Friday evening.
Afghanistan Cricket Board withdraws from Pakistan tri-series due to tension
According to the official statement, those martyred included Afghanistan’s domestic cricketers Kabir, Sibgatullah and Haroon, while several others were seriously injured. The players were in the provincial capital Sharna to take part in a friendly cricket match when they were targeted in the attack, sparking outrage across the country.
The board expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased players and described the incident as a “cowardly attack” which has left an indelible mark on the country’s sporting community.
,The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deep sorrow over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun district of Paktika province, who were targeted in the attack by the Pakistani regime.ACB said in its statement. It also stressed that the decision to withdraw from the tri-series was not taken lightly, but was necessary to honor the memory of the victims.
Players expressed anger and sadness over the attack
Soon after the announcement, leading Afghanistan cricketers took to social media to express their anger and sadness. left arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqui The incident was labeled as “Heinous and unforgivable,Farooqui said that such acts would never be forgotten by Afghans and demanded justice for the dead cricketers. Other national teammates echoed his sentiments, mourning the loss of young players who represent the hopes of a new generation of cricket in Afghanistan. Several players from the domestic circuit also joined the victims’ families, describing the attack as a “black day”. Expressed solidarity. For the sports fraternity of the country.
This tragic development has once again put pressure on Afghanistan-Pakistan cricket relations, which have often been overshadowed by political and border tensions. While recent months had seen improvements in relations between the two boards through bilateral planning and regional tournaments, this latest incident is expected to put a halt to any near-term cooperative engagement. Insiders suggest that discussions were ongoing between the two countries regarding a future series, but the ACB decision may push these talks back indefinitely.
Cricket fans across Afghanistan have united behind the board’s decision and urged the authorities to condemn this act and protect the dignity of Afghan players. Analysts believe the episode could deepen the existing diplomatic standoff between Kabul and Islamabad, increasing uncertainty over whether Afghan players will continue normal interactions with Pakistani counterparts during this period. ICC Events. As the global cricket community reacts, the focus remains on mourning the victims and ensuring that their sacrifice becomes a symbol of resilience for Afghanistan’s cricketing future.
Here’s how Afghanistan players reacted:
God bless you all
More than a year has passed since more than a year More than a year has passed More than a year Already receiving a loan for more than a year It’s been more than a year in the past More than a year Another year has begun OK.
Has earned more than a year for more than a year
Ok!…– Fazalhaq Farooqui (@fazalfarooqi10) 17 October 2025
I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani air strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that took the lives of women, children and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their country on the world stage.
This is absolutely unethical and…
– Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) 17 October 2025
God bless you all
Getting a loan for more than a year for more than a year Getting a loan for more than a year for more than a year And much more.
a year ago happy new year
A new thank you card that’s lasted more than a year pic.twitter.com/gux4bozOq4– Rahmanullah Gurbaz (@RGurbaz_21) 17 October 2025
We are deeply saddened by the cowardly military attack in Argun, Paktika, in which innocent civilians and fellow cricketers were martyred. This brutal act of Pakistan Army is an attack on our people, pride and freedom. But it will never break the Afghan spirit.
– Gulbadin Naib (@GbNaib) 17 October 2025
