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New Delhi Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan slammed Pakistan, describing the death of three local cricketers in airstrikes as “completely immoral and barbaric”. His comments came after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the team’s withdrawal from the tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month.
The ACB’s decision came after a series of Pakistani airstrikes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in which several civilians, including three youth players, were killed. The tri-series to be held in Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 5 to 29 is now uncertain. Rashid also issued a statement expressing deep grief over the tragedy and solidarity with the families of the victims.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.
It is absolutely immoral and…
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) called it a “cowardly attack by the Pakistani regime”. A.C.B. The statement claimed that three young cricketers lost their lives during attacks on civilian residences in Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said the players had traveled from Urgun to Sharana near the Pakistan border in eastern Paktika province to take part in a friendly match. “After returning home, they were targeted during a gathering in Urgun.”
The three players killed have been identified as Kabir, Sibghatullah and Haroon, while five others were also killed in the attack. The fighting, which killed dozens of people on both sides, resumed after a 48-hour ceasefire when Pakistan launched airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. These attacks targeted residential areas in Arjun and Barmal districts along the Durand Line. The Taliban called the attacks a ceasefire violation, while delegations from both countries were holding talks to defuse the crisis.
Statement of Condolence
The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.
In… pic.twitter.com/YkenImtuVR
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025
The ACB said it was a “great loss to the Afghan sports community, its players and the cricket family,” and expressed “deepest condolences and solidarity with the bereaved families.” The board added that the decision to withdraw from next month’s tri-series has been taken “out of respect for the victims”.
In a statement on social media, Rashid expressed deep grief and anger. “I am deeply saddened by the recent loss of civilian life in Pakistan’s airstrikes, a tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children and young cricketers who dreamed of representing their country,” he wrote.
Rashid strongly criticized the Pakistani attacks, saying the “gross violation of human rights” should be taken up at the international level. Late on Friday night, Pakistani airstrikes violated the ceasefire between the two countries, sparking fresh clashes along the border.
Rashid further wrote, “Targeting civilian infrastructure is totally unethical and barbaric. These unjust and illegal acts are grave violations of human rights and should not be ignored. I welcome ACB’s decision to withdraw from future matches due to the loss of precious innocent lives. I stand with our people during this difficult time; our national honor must come first.”
The Afghan captain supported the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the tri-series between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Pakistan next month.
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