Kabul, October 18 (Udaipur Kiran): Amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday announced its decision to withdraw from the upcoming T20 Tri-Nation Series that was scheduled to be held in Pakistan next month.
The tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, was set to take place in late November, with the Afghan team scheduled to travel to Pakistan on November 17. However, following the deadly airstrike in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on Friday — which killed eight people, including Afghan domestic cricketers — the ACB decided to pull out of the tournament.
The attack in Urgun district claimed the lives of cricketers Qabeer, Sibgatullah, and Haroon, among others, while seven others were injured. The players were returning to the provincial capital Sharana after participating in a friendly match when they were hit.
In an official statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said:
“In light of this tragic incident and to honour the memory of our martyred players, the ACB has decided to withdraw from the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan.”
The board directly blamed Pakistan for the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act by the Pakistani regime.”
“The ACB expresses deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun district, who were targeted in an inhumane strike carried out by Pakistan,” the statement added.
The board called the loss a “major blow to the Afghan sporting community”, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people of Paktika province.
Afghan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi also condemned the attack on his official Facebook page, writing:
“The martyrdom of civilians and our domestic cricket players is an unforgivable crime. Those who massacre innocents can never be forgiven.”
With diplomatic relations between Kabul and Islamabad deteriorating rapidly, analysts believe that the rift could affect future ICC events, making even simple gestures such as handshakes between players difficult in upcoming international fixtures.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.