The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)’s spokesperson, Sayed Naseem Sadaat, revealed that the board has possessed obvious evidence, including the video footage, implicating the national team in an attack that killed the three local cricketers in Afghanistan’s Urgun district, as the incident has prompted the subcontinent side to withdraw from next month’s tri-nation T20I series. 

The statement has come after the government of Pakistan denied the reports of those cricketers being killed in an airstrike. The spokesperson has confirmed that the board has officially decided to withdraw from the upcoming tri-series, hosted by Pakistan, as Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) replaced them.

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“We got evidence that all the cricket fraternity and all the people around the world would have definitely watched our video report on the incident that was made by our media team. So we got the clear evidence that a Pakistani state did the attack.” Sadaat expressed during an interaction with ANI.

Watch: Pakistan’s role in killing three Afghanistan cricketers leaked in video footage to go viral

In a post, the Afghanistan Cricket Board reported that the attack had caused multiple casualties, including the three local cricketers- Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon- who were coming back home after playing a friendly game in Paktika province. The board considered it a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family.

PAK ARMY bombed a civilian area in PAKTIKA AFGHANISTAN killing 6 young boys including budding cricket players.
Heartbreaking to say the least .
Afghanistan 🇦🇫 vs Pakistan 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/JB2aObPxkk

— KAFIR ON STEROIDS (@TammaraoPatil) October 18, 2025

“We call upon all the cricket boards to condemn such barbaric attacks because cricket is a game that carries the message of peace. Cricketers are peace ambassadors, and they should stay away from the war. War should not be interfered with in sports. So we call upon all the cricket fraternity and boards to condemn such attacks and keep cricket away from war.” Sadaat addressed the same discussion.  

Zimbabwe has since stepped in to replace Afghanistan in the tri-series, joining Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The series will begin on November 17 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with the home side facing Zimbabwe in Sri Lanka at the same venue. The remaining five games and the final will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The deaths of three local cricketers of Afghanistan caused major damage to the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Star cricketer Rashid Khan described Pakistan's attack as immoral and barbaric. After that, he silently takes a step to continue his protest against their neighboring nation.

It is learned that Rashid Khan has removed Pakistan Super League from his official social media bio, which is considered a major step to create more distance from Pakistan and Pakistan cricket. The spinner was a part of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Lahore Qalandars, which was mentioned in his 'X' account bio before. But after the tragic incident in Paktika province where at least 10 people were killed in the wee hours of Saturday (October 18), Lahore Qalandars is not visible in his official 'X' account.

Netizens observed the change in Khan's bio on Sunday morning. His current profile sees the mention of Afghanistan, Sydney Thunder, and Gujarat Titans, but Lahore Qalandars is not there. It is now believed that Khan and other Afghanistan cricketers, who played in PSL last season, can pull themselves out from the tournament. It is needless to say, without Rashid Khan or Afghanistan internationals, the Pakistan Super League will lose its credibility and star attractions.

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Rashid Khan showed open protest against the tragic incident

Condemning Pakistan's alleged airstrike on Afghanistan, Khan on Saturday wrote, "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 response to the attack, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), with immediate effect, withdrew their team from the upcoming Tri-Nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Pakistan. Supporting ACB's decision, Khan said, "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."

The former captain of the Pakistan side, Shahid Afridi, has expressed his disappointment with Afghanistan’s cricket team, reckoning that it was regrettable that the country seemed to have forgotten the support of Pakistan. He also highlighted their decade-long support, including hosting millions of refugees and providing direct help to the families in need.

Afridi’s comment on the Pakistan media came after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) decided to boycott their upcoming T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Even their captain, Rashid Khan, has removed the Lahore Qalandars franchise’s name that he played for in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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“I didn’t expect it to be like this. For the past 50-60 years, we have been taking care of them. I personally look after nearly 350 Afghan families in Karachi. I believe that both are neighboring countries, and our message has always been to the people of Afghanistan that both sides should cooperate because we are Muslim countries.” Afridi expressed during a recent interaction.

Watch: Shahid Afridi slams Afghanistan for forgetting Pakistan’s contribution

Afridi urged the Afghan leaders to preserve their relationship and prevent outsiders from exploiting the land of Pakistan. However, he didn’t mention India’s name here. After ACB decided to boycott the tri-series, the PCB exchanged them with Zimbabwe, playing the series.

 

 

 

 

 

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“It’s regrettable that instead of sitting down and discussing things directly, you went and shook hands with those who have been involved in terrorism inside Pakistan for a long time. We have always welcomed you, provided you with a place, and people have lived, worked, and done business here. It’s unfortunate that you went and shook hands with those who are carrying out terrorism inside our country.” Afridi addressed the discussion.

“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 Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province.” ACB made the statement.

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:

💔 pic.twitter.com/6d6Ciu2By5

— Samiullah Shinwari (@SamiShinwari45) October 17, 2025

Heartbroken by the martyrdom of young cricketers in Urgun, Paktika, targeted in a brutal attack by Pakistan’s military regime.

This inhumane & shameful act seeks to undermine our brave nation, yet it binds us closer together.

We will never forget their sacrifice and memory.

— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) October 18, 2025

Heartbroken by Pakistan's cowardly airstrikes in Paktika, killing innocent civilians, including young cricketers. This brutal & barbaric act shames humanity.

— Ibrahim Zadran (@IZadran18) October 18, 2025

Devastated to hear of Pakistan's ruthless airstrikes on our soil, claiming lives of innocents, including young cricketers. This shameless and cowardly act defies all honour.

— Azmatullah Omarzai (@AzmatOmarzay) October 18, 2025

We are deeply saddened by the cowardly military attack in Argun, Paktika, that martyred innocent civilians and fellow cricketers. This brutal act by the Pakistani army is an assault on our people, pride, and independence.but it will never break the Afghan spirit.

— Gulbadin Naib (@GbNaib) October 17, 2025

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

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

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan has made headlines after removing the name of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars from his X (formerly Twitter) bio. His move comes in the wake of a tragic incident near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Recently, Pakistani aerial strikes in Paktika Province claimed the lives of eight civilians, including three local cricketers. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation across Afghanistan’s cricketing community.

The deceased players — Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — were reportedly killed while returning from a friendly match in Sharana, the capital of Paktika. The incident has sparked anger and mourning, with Rashid’s gesture seen as a silent protest against the tragic killings.

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Rashid Khan’s Participation in PSL Becomes Uncertain:

Following his earlier condemnation of Pakistan’s actions, Rashid Khan removed ‘Lahore Qalandars’ from his X bio. This move has fueled speculation that the Afghanistan captain might consider boycotting the Pakistan Super League in response to the tragic incident.

Rashid Khan, 27, joined Lahore Qalandars in 2021 and has since helped the team win three PSL titles, including last season. He expressed his grief on X, saying he was “deeply saddened by the civilian casualties in Pakistan’s recent aerial strikes on Afghanistan.”

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

He wrote, “ 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 of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time - our national dignity must come before all else.”

Other Afghanistan Players Express Their Grief:

Afghan all-rounder Samiullah Shinwari expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that the attack has left both Afghanistan and the cricket community mourning the tragic loss of lives.

He wrote, “ I was deeply saddened by the news of the martyrdom of the heroic players of Argoon district of Paktika, who were brutally attacked by the Pakistani military regime after a friendly cricket match.”

He added, “ The incident is a great sorrow not only for Paktika, but for the entire cricket family and nation of Afghanistan. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of these innocent players, my friends and the people of Paktika.”

💔 pic.twitter.com/6d6Ciu2By5

— Samiullah Shinwari (@SamiShinwari45) October 17, 2025

Afghan opener Sediqullah Atal backed the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s choice to pull out of the tri-series, expressing his agreement with the decision in light of recent tragic events. He wrote, “ We will never forget their memory and sacrifice. 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.”

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

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the three-nation tri-series for the shortest format will go on as scheduled from November 17 to 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, despite the decision of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to withdraw from the series. The PCB is currently in talks with other boards to find a replacement for the series.

Afghanistan decided to pull out of the tournament following their claim that the three cricketers died in Pakistan’s army attack in Paktika province. PCB is trying to find either Zimbabwe or one of the associate nations, like Nepal or the UAE, as the potential replacements for the tri-series.

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“The tri-series will progress as scheduled even after Afghanistan’s withdrawal. We are looking at a replacement team, and once finalized, the announcement will be made. The tri-series features a third team in Sri Lanka, so it’s on from 17th November.” The senior official of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed, as quoted by the Times of India (TOI).

PCB reveals plan to replace Afghanistan for home T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka

Neither Afghanistan nor Pakistan has featured in a bilateral series against each other since the former gained Test status, although their A-side has toured that part of the world in the past. The relationship between the two cricketing boards has been strained recently. During a tri-series in Sharjah before the Asia Cup, including the Asia Cup, their spectators were seated in separate enclosures to prevent potential conflicts.

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 Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province.” The ACB revealed in a statement on the tri-series.

Pakistan is currently playing their two-match Test series at home against South Africa before shifting their focus to the white-ball formats. The next challenge will be the tri-series.

On Saturday morning the entire cricket world was stunned to know of the deaths of three local cricketers of Afghanistan. It is reported that the 48-hour ceasefire was violated by Pakistan on Friday evening. The Taliban claimed that Pakistan initiated a fresh airstrike that claimed the lives of three cricketers. In protest of the incident, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to boycott the tri-nation tournament in Pakistan, involving Sri Lanka.

After ACB's decision not to take part in the tri-nation series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now has to make a final call on the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in November. According to fresh reports, PCB is in search of another team to replace Afghanistan. Teams like England, Australia, and South Africa will not be available for that time frame, as they will be busy in other competitions. England and Australia will play for the Ashes, while South Africa is scheduled to travel to India. According to some recent claims on social media platforms, Zimbabwe is likely to replace Afghanistan in the tri-nation series with Pakistan and 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. 

Pakistan Cricket Board has to take a call on the upcoming tri-nation series

Afghanistan cricket star Rashid Khan labelled 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. 

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), on October 18, announced that they have decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming tri-nation T20I series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to take place in late November. They were supposed to travel Pakistan to feature in the tri-series and face the hosts on November 17.

However, the ACB stated that they had taken the decision to postpone the trip in response to the tragic incident where the Pakistan Army targeted their three players, Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Harron, along with five other fellow countrymen from Urgun district. They were martyred while seven others were injured.

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“In response of 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 Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province” The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revealed in a statement.

Afghanistan withdraw from participating in T20I series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan

The last face-off between the two sides came in Sharjah during the tri-series where they met in the final. Afghanistan failed to qualify for the Super 4 stage of the recent Asia Cup 2025, where Pakistan lost the final to India in Dubai and ended as the runners-up. The left-arm pacer of Afghanistan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and their T20I captain, Rashid Khan, expressed their emotion on the tragic incident.

“The martyrdom of the civilians and our domestic cricket players by the oppressors is an unforgivable crime. The massacre of innocent civilians and our domestic cricket players by these oppressors is a heinous, unforgivable crime.” Farooqi wrote on his Facebook page.

“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.” Rashid Khan wrote on X. It will be interesting to see if Afghanistan shake hands with Pakistan in the ICC events.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to withdraw from the upcoming tri-series against Sri Lanka, involving Pakistan next month, following the killing of three local cricketers in an attack, as the board confirmed. They revealed that the players had travelled from Urgun to Sharana in eastern Paktika province, near the Pakistan border, to participate in a friendly encounter.

The ACB has stated it as ‘a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime’ as the players were attacked during a gathering after their return to Urgun. They have identified three players as ‘Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon’ and added that five other players had also been killed in the attack as no further details were provided.

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“In response of 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 Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressed in a statement.

Three Afghanistan players attacked by Pakistan Army on border in Paktika

The Afghanistan board considers it as a great loss for the sports’ community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. It added that the decision to withdraw from the next months’ tri-series was made as a gesture of respect to the victims.

“The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. The ACB also extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families of the martyrs and to the people of Paktika Province.” The ACB board addressed in the same statement.

“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 barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed.” The T20I captain of the Afghanistan side, Rashid Khan, noted on his X account (formerly known as Twitter).

Pakistan's sudden action over Afghanistan caused tension in international politics. After an airstrike in Kabul allegedly by Pakistan, the Taliban considered it a declaration of war. As the political situation between these two nations has worsened more, it is reported that the Afghanistan cricket board has taken a strict decision against the Pakistan cricket team.

In a major development, it is claimed on social media that the cricket board of Afghanistan has decided not to play any bilateral matches against the rival nation. At this point, the Afghan cricket board has suspended all of their future bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan. If the board maintains the position for a long time, then these two nations can only face off during ICC events.

It is also claimed that if they meet in any ICC events in the future, then the Afghanistan cricket team players can avoid shaking hands with Pakistan cricket team players. After India, Afghanistan is the second nation to take a strong position against Pakistan. 

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Two nations with steps against Pakistan 

After the Pehalgam terror attack incident, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also stands still against the neighboring cricket team. In protest of the terrorist attack incident, BCCI declared that Team India will not play any bilateral matches with Pakistan in the future. During the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025, the Men in Blue brigade maintained their position against Pakistan and denied shaking hands with Pakistan cricket team players, which sparked a series of controversies throughout the tournament, but Team India remained firm on their decision. 

🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨

- Afghanistan Cricket Board has formally suspended all future bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan and adviced players not to shake hands with Pakistani players in ICC events. pic.twitter.com/n5uHAhzFay

— Bemba Nation (@BembaNation) October 11, 2025

According to previously published fixtures, Afghanistan is scheduled to play Pakistan next on November 17, 2025, in a one-off tournament. Will they play against Pakistan? The question remains.