Afghanistan players who have criticised Pakistan Army's attack on Afghanistan players

The cricket world is absolutely devastated by the news of the deaths of three local Afghanistan cricketers because of Pakistan's air strike on the civilian area. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and their national team cricketers strongly protested the incident. For Rashid Khan, it was a 'barbaric' and 'immoral' act from the Pakistan Air Force.

Along with the three cricketers, several other lives were also claimed by the attack. Netizens from all over the places across the planet used their words through social media posts to support Afghanistan. In protest of the attack, the Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew themselves from the upcoming Tri-Nation series in Pakistan involving Sri Lanka. 

"In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon), alongside 5 other fellow countrymen from Urgun District, were martyred, and seven others were injured. The players had earlier traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering," ACB informed this through their social media post. 

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"In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in late November," the statement further read. 

Afghanistan cricket star Rashid Khan described the action made by Pakistan as immoral and barbaric. He supported ACB's decision to withdraw from the tournament. 

"It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed. In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time; our national dignity must come before all else," Rashid Khan said. 

Reactions of Afghanistan cricketers on the incident:

Deeply saddened by Pakistan’s attacks on Afghan civilians women, children, and young cricketers. Such inhuman acts must not be ignored. I fully support the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s decision.

— Sediqullah Atal (@sediqullahatal) October 17, 2025