Afghanistan calls off T20 series with Pakistan after 3 cricketers die in late-night attack

“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,” the Board said.

Statement of Condolence

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 carried out by the Pakistani regime.

In… pic.twitter.com/YkenImtuVR

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025

Afghanistan cancels tournament with Pakistan

The ACB said it considered this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. “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 board announced its decision.

Pakistan’s attack on Afghanistan

According to local Afghan officials, the air raids struck civilian homes directly.

Karimullah Zubair Agha, Head of Public Health in Spin Boldak, was quoted as saying by Tolo news, “Civilian casualties are extremely high. Yesterday’s airstrikes further increased the numbers. We now have 170 injured and 40 dead.”

The attacks mark a sharp escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, drawing widespread condemnation and concern.

Witnesses and survivors alleged that Pakistan deliberately targeted civilian structures and non-combatants in violation of international humanitarian law.

Haji Bahram, one of the survivors, said, “I’ve never witnessed such injustice. A country that calls itself Muslim bombed our women, children, and homes. Issues like this should be resolved through dialogue.”

Another survivor, Abdul Zahir, stated, “They bombed Muslim women and children. Pakistan carried out this act with complete audacity.”

Noorghali, who was injured in the strikes, said, “There were no military forces here — only civilians and a local market — yet we were attacked.”

Beyond the airstrikes, artillery shelling from across the border has also hit civilian areas in Nokli, Haji Hassan Kelay, Wardak, Kuchian, Shorabak, and Shaheed, causing widespread destruction to homes and property.

The victims were laid to rest in the central cemetery of Spin Boldak district, where hundreds of locals attended the funeral.

The situation in Spin Boldak is now calm, with markets slowly reopening and residents beginning to assess the devastation.