The tri-series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka was originally scheduled to begin on November 17. However, in a major blow to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its withdrawal from the event on Saturday, October 8.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations. Afghanistan had initially agreed to participate in the tri-nation T20I series hosted by Pakistan, but the situation changed following Pakistan’s military attacks on Afghan territory.
According to reports, an attack in the Urgun District of Paktika Province resulted in the deaths of several Afghan cricketers. Players Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon were among the five who were martyred, while seven others sustained injuries.
Afghanistan Cricket Board Issues Heartfelt Statement After Tragic Attack on Cricketers
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of several brave cricketers from Urgun District, Paktika Province, who were martyred in what the board described as a “cowardly attack” carried out by the Pakistani regime.
In an official statement, the ACB said:
“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. The ACB considers this a tremendous loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. Our heartfelt condolences and solidarity go out to the bereaved families and the people of Paktika Province.”
As a mark of respect to the victims, the ACB announced its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, which was scheduled to take place in late November.
With diplomatic and sporting tensions between the two nations already high, experts believe it is unlikely that Afghan and Pakistani players will engage in customary handshakes during future ICC or ACC events. Whether the two sides will face each other again in the near future remains uncertain.
