The cricket community in Afghanistan is in deep mourning after three promising young players lost their lives in a drone attack in Paktika province last week. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the country, casting a shadow over its cricketing fraternity. In response to the incident, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has withdrawn its national team from next month’s Tri-Nation T20I Series that was scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan.
On Tuesday, the ACB spokesperson Sayed Naseem Sadaat said that Afghanistan had gathered clear evidence, including video footage, linking Pakistan to the attack. His statement came soon after Pakistan’s government had dismissed reports suggesting that cricketers were ki*led in an airstrike. Sayed Naseem Sadaat insisted that the proof was undeniable and had been shared publicly through the ACB’s media channels, emphasising that the attack was carried out by Pakistani forces.
He added that following this heartbreaking event, the ACB decided to cancel Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming tri-series as a mark of protest and respect for the victims. The attack reportedly took place as the three young players — Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon were returning home after a friendly match in Sharana, the capital of Paktika province.
In an official statement, the ACB described the incident as a “great loss” for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes and the wider cricketing family. The board expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and urged for solidarity within the cricket world during this difficult time.
Condemning the violence, Sayed Naseem Sadaat appealed to cricket boards worldwide to unite in denouncing such attacks. He reminded the international community that cricket represents peace and unity, not conflict. He said that cricketers serve as ambassadors of goodwill and should never be caught in the crossfire of political or military disputes. “Cricket is a symbol of peace,” he stressed, calling on all boards to ensure that the sport remains free from the influence of war.
Meanwhile, following Afghanistan’s withdrawal, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Zimbabwe has accepted an invitation to replace them in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series. The tournament will now proceed with Pakistan, Zimbabwe and one more participating team, even as the cricketing world continues to grieve the loss of three young Afghan players whose dreams were cut tragically short.
This is really sad.
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