The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that it will withdraw from a tri-nation T20 tournament, which was set to include Pakistan, following the tragic deaths of three local cricketers in airstrikes conducted by the Pakistani military.
Kabul 24: The decision comes in response to an incident in the Argun district of Paktika province, where three players—Kabir Agha, Sabghatullah, and Haroon—along with five civilians were killed, and seven others injured in aerial attacks.
According to the ACB, the players had traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika, to participate in a friendly match and were targeted while returning to Argun.
The board condemned the attack as “cowardly” and described the loss of the players as a “significant tragedy” for Afghanistan’s sporting community.
In a statement, the ACB emphasized that the withdrawal from the tournament, scheduled for late November, is a gesture of respect for the victims.
This incident further highlights the ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Airstrikes in border regions, particularly in Paktika, have previously caused civilian casualties, sparking widespread condemnation.
The ACB called for justice for the victims and urged the international community to address such actions.
The decision to pull out of the tournament underscores Afghanistan’s protest against Pakistan’s military operations.Cricket, one of Afghanistan’s most beloved sports, plays a vital role in fostering national unity and morale.
The loss of these players has sent shockwaves through the country’s sporting community.
The ACB stated that it will focus on supporting the victims’ families and promoting the development of cricket within Afghanistan.
This withdrawal not only impacts the nation’s sports scene but also serves as a powerful statement against the violence that claimed the lives of its athletes.
