Reactions pour in from Afghan players after ACB cancels participation in Pakistan tri-series
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Saturday its decision to withdraw from the next Pakistan Tri-Nations T20I Series scheduled for November. The tri series, ready to present Pakistan, AfghanistanAnd Sri Lanka, was scheduled to begin on November 17 in Pakistan, but the latest decision in Kabul marks a significant turning point after a tragic incident that shook the cricket community in Afghanistan. The ACB said the step was taken out of respect for the victims of a devastating attack that claimed the lives of several cricketers in Urgun district of Paktika province on Friday evening.
Afghanistan Cricket Board withdraws from three Pakistan series due to tensions
According to the official statement, Afghan cricketers Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon were among the martyrs, while several others were seriously injured. The players were in Sharana, the provincial capital, to take part in a friendly cricket match when they were targeted in an attack that sparked outrage across the country.
The committee expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased players, terming the incident a “cowardly attack” that left an indelible scar on the country’s sporting community.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sadness and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun district of Paktika province who were targeted in an attack by the Pakistani regime.“, the ACB said in its statement. It further 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 express anger and grief over attack
Soon after this announcement, leading Afghan cricketers took to social media to express their anger and grief. Left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi described the incident as “odious and unforgivable,” condemning violence against civilians and sportspersons. Farooqi said such acts would never be forgotten by Afghans and called for justice for the deceased cricketers. Other national teammates echoed his sentiments, mourning the loss of young players who represented the hopes of the new generation of cricket in Afghanistan. Several players from the national tours also expressed solidarity with the victims’ families, calling the attack a “dark day” for the country’s sporting fraternity.
The tragic development has once again strained cricketing relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have often been overshadowed by political and border tensions. While relations between the two councils have improved in recent months through bilateral planning and regional tournaments, this latest incident is expected to put an end to any short-term cooperation commitments. Insiders suggest discussions were underway regarding future series between the two nations, but the ACB’s decision could push back those discussions indefinitely.
Cricket fans across Afghanistan have rallied behind the board’s decision, urging authorities to strongly condemn the act and protect the dignity of Afghan sportspeople. Analysts say the episode could worsen the current diplomatic freeze between Kabul and Islamabad, raising uncertainty over whether Afghan actors will continue their normal interactions with their Pakistani counterparts during this period. CPI events. As the global cricket community responds, the focus remains on mourning the victims and ensuring their sacrifice becomes a symbol of resilience for the future of cricket in Afghanistan.
ALSO READ: Ashes 2025-26: Steve Harmison drops jaw-dropping prediction on Joe Root’s potential series average and score
Here’s how the Afghan players reacted:
God bless you
The martyrdom of civilians and our national cricketers by the oppressors is a great unforgivable crime. May God bless the martyrs with Jannat Firdous and may the oppressors be humbled and stopped by his wrath.
Martyring players and civilians is not an honor, but the end of misery
Di limit!-fazalhaq farooqi (@fazalfarooqi10) October 17, 2025
I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in recent Pakistani airstrikes against Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children and young aspiring cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.
This is absolutely immoral and…
– Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025
God bless you
It is with great sadness that we learned that several players from our country were martyred in Argon district, Paktika province.
I wish him Jannat al-Firdous from the great Lord
And may the Lord Almighty humiliate the eternal enemies of our country, Amen pic.twitter.com/gux4bozOq4– Rahmanullah Gurbaz (@RGurbaz_21) October 17, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the cowardly military attack in Argun, Paktika, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians and other cricketers. This brutal act of the Pakistani army is an attack on our people, our pride and our independence, but it will never break the Afghan spirit.
– Gulbadin Naib (@GbNaib) October 17, 2025
–Samiullah Shinwari (@SamiShinwari45) October 17, 2025
ALSO READ: IPL 2026: RCB for sale? Here is the full list of potential bidders interested in acquiring Royal Challengers Bengaluru
