Pakistan withdraws from Tri-Series with Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) after attacking civilian infrastructure in Afghanistan and killing some young cricketers Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The decision comes after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, which reportedly killed 10 people, including three Afghan cricketers.
The ACB described the attack as “cowardly and reprehensible” and said playing Pakistan in such circumstances would be “disrespectful to the martyred players and civilians”.
A daily dose of cricket!
Three Afghan cricketers were killed in the attack
According to Afghan media reports, the attack took place in Pakistan’s Arghun and Barmun districts of Barmistan, where Pakistan allegedly carried out airstrikes targeting the military. Meanwhile, local sources say that several innocent civilians have died in the attacks.
The ACB said three local cricketers, Kabir, Sibghatullah and Haroon, were martyred in the attack, while five other civilians were also killed and seven seriously injured.
It was reported that the players returned to the hometown of Doğum after playing a friendly match in Sharana, the capital of Paktika.
“The Courageous Cricketers from Urgun district of Paktika province in a cowardly attack by the Pakistani regime,” ACB said in an official statement.
“In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon) along with two other compatriots from Urgun district were martyred and seven people were injured.”
“Earlier, the players traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during the rally.”
“ACB considers this a great loss to the sports community of Afghanistan, its athletes and the family of the bender. The ACB also extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the Paktika families of the martyrs and Paktika Province.”
“In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the ACB has decided to refrain from participating in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan in late November,” read the statement.
“May Allah (SWT) join the martyrs to the highest ranks in Paradise, bless the wounded with a speedy recovery and give patience, reward and strength to their families in this time of extreme grief,” it was announced.
Expression of condolence
The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest grief and sorrow over the tragic martyrdom of brave cricketers from Urgun district of Paktika province this evening in a heart-wrenching attack by the Pakistani regime.
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@acbofials) October 17, 2025
Pakistan cricket team reaction
On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to give an official response. However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently advised the International Cricket Council (ICC) to have an alternative plan where the Afghans are now withdrawn from the series for whatever reason.
Conflict to have wider results in cricket
This incident is not only likely to put a new strain on Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, but it could also have a profound impact on South Asian cricket.
In recent years, cruise ties between the two countries have resumed on a limited scale, but these latest disputes have again raised questions about their future.
Many cricket analysts believe the move is a “diplomatic message” from the Afghans to Pakistan to make it clear that sport and politics cannot be separated, with players’ lives at stake.
 has withdrawn from the tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka.){kind=link}