Cricket’s global fraternity has united in grief after three young Afghan cricketers — Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — were killed in alleged cross-border airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. The players had just returned home after a friendly match when the attack occurred, claiming several civilian lives.
“Deeply Distressing And Unwarranted” – BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Expressed Its Deep Sorrow And Condemnation, Standing Firmly With The Afghanistan Cricket Board (Acb) And The Bereaved Families.
The Loss Of Innocent Lives, Particularly Those Of Promising Sportspersons, Is Deeply Distressing And A Matter Of Great Concern.
The Bcci Extended Its Heartfelt Sympathies To The People Of Afghanistan, Describing The Airstrike As A Ghastly And Unwarranted Attack.
ICC: “A Loss For Families, Communities, And Cricket”
The International Cricket Council (Icc) Also Issued A Statement Condemning The Violence, Calling It A Devastating Blow To The Sport.
The ICC Strongly Condemns The Act Of Violence That Has Robbed Families, Communities, And The Cricketing World Of Three Bright Talents Whose Only Ambition Was To Play The Sport They Loved.
Rashid Khan: “Immoral And Barbaric”
Afghanistan’s Senior Players — Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, And Najeebullah Zadran — Voiced Their Outrage And Heartbreak.
I Am Deeply Saddened By The Loss Of Civilian Lives In The Recent Pakistani Aerial Strikes On Afghanistan. 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.
Yuvraj Singh Joins In Solidarity
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also extended his condolences, writing on X: “Heartfelt condolences to the families of the young Afghanistan cricketers who lost their lives in the recent attack. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. May their memories inspire peace and unity.”
Afghanistan Pulls Out Of Tri-Series
Earlier, in response to the tragedy, the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled from November 5 to 29 in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
In its statement, the ACB condemned what it described as “a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime” and mourned the “martyrdom of brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province.”
